My last week in Israel

Well- we had another quiet Shabbat and this time no trips to the Er!! Saturday Mom got a pedicure and I went to the beach. Monday and Tuesday were Mom's last two day of radiation.....YAY!!!! Unfortunately she is no longer on speaking terms with her arm.... due to the pain... but the good thing is we know it will subside now that treatments are over! On wednesday we stepped back in time into the old city of Akko, or Acre. It was overwhelmingly beautiful!!! pics to come... We had a wonderful meal on the waterfront. I cannot describe what an enormous blessing it was for me to spend this time with both Mom and Dad. As my day of departure loomed closer I wondered when I would cross that imaginary line from being sad to leave to being excited to be home... I crossed it as I exited the gate at Cleveland and heard my family's voices before I saw them!!!!! The flight home was horrendous so I will not go into details but the trip was precious memories that I will treasure always. Please continue to pray as my mom has five more chemotherapy sessions between now and March if none are delayed. Your cards and prayers have blessed my Mom!!!
Signing off for now- Dafna

A Little Unexpected

Wasn't sure if i should blog today... it  is one of my bluer days and it definitely took me by surprise. I awoke to a beautiful sunny day with the skies about as clear as they get without rain. We took our usual trip into the Italian Hospital for radiation- where we found that Mom's increasing arm pain is actually a good sign. It means it is working. That's good- we better not be radiating her for no reason..I think we're dealing with enugh poisins already! She is beginning to tire out earlier but you know Mom-"energizer bunny" still applies. Her friend Anat said the doctor should give her a pill to sit down!! We took a ride into Akko today (Acre) but when we got their we had forgotten it is an Arabic holiday and we couldn't get close to the shops.  It worked out for the best- I think Mom was pushing herself so that I would have a chance to get souveniers for the kids! The ride along the coast was beautiful and we stopped to get pictures.
Whew- mom just got up from her nap and we agreed that I would do some shopping on my own- that's a relief... thanks for the suggestion Joe! Easy things seem hard to figure out when my brain and heart are so preoccuppied. I am missing the family and my dogies ( yes purposely spelled that way!)- but not yet ready to leave my parents... ze ma yesh... Dafna

Shabbat

We had a very nice shabbat- quiet and sunny and warm. Saturday Sveta came to visit with Mom and I went to the beach so they could chat in Russian and not worry about translating! Although we had a treatment free weekend, Dad took mom to the oncology er sunday morning- not realy for an emergency- but because thats what we were told to do for side effects when they are difficult. Eating has been getting  harder with the tongue sores. They gave Mom a magic potion of Malox and something to numb her tongue before she eats.... result- MUCH BETTER! She is also losing her voice- but they are not concerned at the moment- there are no sores in her throat- thankfully. Today radiation was quick- chick chock, and then we went to Dudu for goodies- a wonderful bakery. I was hoping to lose weight in Israel- oh well! Mom is strong and amazing- she is living life as if there are no speed bumps. This morning we decided to look at the daily changing side effects as if she has a cold that is better one day and perhaps worse the next. We are taking life one day at a time. It is an absolute blessing for me to be here.

week One in Israel

It is Friday Nov 12 and I have been here since Monday. Ayala was still here when i arrived and the 4 of us had a lovely meal and spent the afternoon together. Ayala took the 6 pm train to Ben Gurion and Tuesday morning we hit the ground running. First stop the Italian hospital to prepare Mom for radiation. A very grumpy technician gvae Mom a tatoo, par for the course for treatment but we did not know this!!! It just looks like a few small black dots now, for measuring purposes. Then we continued on to Rambam for Mom's first chemo. We met first with the oncologist then a secretary and finally Mom's chemo nurse, Allah. We were told not to get on her bad side... dont see how- she is a sweetie. While waiting for them to mix Mom's chemo cocktail they forgot to tell us we could get food, we were very hungry!!! Allah started the drip with magic fingers, mom didnt feel even a pinch. The drip was cold but we brought extra bankets. As mom began Dad and I went to Aroma in the lobby to get food. Dad is chatting away with mom and meanwhile I took a dive so bad on the wet floor the whole restaurant saw- EXCEPT DAD!!! It ws actualy pretty funny... but it hurt!!! The manager gave us lunch free as a result. FUnny a guy next to me didnt help me up, but kept saying under his breath, "call a doctor, call a doctor" LOL! Back up to the chemo room where not just us but many were eating their lunch, chatting and listening to music. It is a large room with recliner type chairs in one area and then beds across the way. One whole wall is windows looking out on the beautiful Meditteranean. We ate. mom listened to music and even napped. This was a long emotionally hard day but we got through it, I came home and called JOe and cried while talking to him on the porch... was afraid to cry in front of Mom- but she told me it is ok.. whew. Wednesday radiation again and we had visits from Sveta, Anat and Aunt Chana. It was very nice! Chana brought wonderful food and Sveta made my savtas lasdushky for me- YUM!!!!!! Thursday radiation again in the am but it was a harder day- Mom had begun to get side effects, swelling, sores on her tongue and tiredness. Thankfully  a family friend recommended honey for Mom's tongue and it definitely is helping!!! Todah L' Yaffa!! Today- friday, radiation, no new side effects and mom didn't nap today. We had a lovely Shabbat dinner and we have 2 treatment free days. Mom's attitude is positive and full of chutzpah as always and she is exersising everyday. She has gained weight and is eating more now to make up for days they said she may not feel like eating. She is a strong woman- Thank God!!!!! So happy to be in Israel, the weather is beautiful and the family time is sweet. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!!! Love from Israel- Dafna