Happy December Everyone!

So, it's been a while since we did an update! Since our last update we have been extremely busy, had a few bumps along the way, and had quite a few successes.  Her stay at Capitol View Transitional Center has been wonderful. She has made a tremendous amount of progress with OT, PT, and Speech.  She is now using a regular cane the majority of the time around her room and on the unit.  Off the unit, she can use a hemi-walker (like a half of a walker) and a wheelchair for longer distances.  She is also independent with the majority of her personal care - dressing, hair, teeth, etc.  So much strength and determination!  Her left leg and arm still lack sensation and don't always cooperate the way she wants them to, but she is overcoming the problems with the help of great therapists (and perhaps a little bit of colorful language and name calling of the offending appendages!)  The left vision problem is her most frustrating issue because it causes her to miss items that might be in her way, and shadows and poor lighting are really difficult.  Still working on different ways to compensate and stay safe.

Kate is now over half way done with her first phase of Chemo and Radiation treatment. She has tolerated treatment really well, with minimal side effects.  Definitely feeling fatigued, and she is starting to lose her hair in patches.  Her fun loving, very devoted, and slightly insane group of Burn Unit coworkers are going to shave her hair, after they have finished a long night shift of working. We'll have to see how that turns out!!!!

Kate has a custom fit mask for her face and head so that her radiation beams hit in the precise locations needed to execute the nasty cancer cells. We have a picture of her in her super power mask (if I can load it correctly), and the green lights add an element of drama!  She has decided that after treatment, she is going to turn it into a wall hanging Chia planter.  Have to see if that can scare away the raccoons at the farm!

We have started discharge planning with Capitol View.  Plans are still a little uncertain, with a possibility that we can stay at Hope Lodge in Mpls.  We are also still looking for other housing options, such as a guest house, mother in law suite, small apartment, just in case anyone has a few ideas.  Her treatment plan will last for about 6-9 months.  Hopefully, in the spring, we can return to her farm after a few modifications to the house.

We appreciate everyone that has helped with transporting Kate to her radiation appointments, Allyson for continuing to bring Fergus for visits, the Burn crew for ongoing cheer and support, friends and family for visits and snacks, her High School group for 'forever' friendship, Jessica for extreme generosity in opening her house and heart (and giving us keys !) to let me stay indefinitely and Barbs family for extended weekends, and most of all,
the knowledge, care, time, and true investment of talent, from all of the healthcare professionals at Regions Hospital and Capitol View Transition Center.

We will try to do updates on a more regular basis to keep everyone in the loop. We continue to appreciate Kate's visitors and supporters.  Next phase coming up soon!!