Yesterday afternoon I got home from my trip with Chad to Kentucky and an additional week in Camden with my mother (during which time I had cancer treatment). Both weeks were full; we were blessed with smooth travel, good weather and wonderful adventures. Fortunately, I managed the experience well, with plenty of naps and extras like a wheelchair for long treks.
Our dear friend Dr. Leandra Marie Price was our hostess in Kentucky. She made us feel absolutely welcome from the minute we met at the airport. We stayed at her home in Lexington, and ventured there and into surrounding areas every day. During our stay we went exploring in the bluegrass region where we admired horse farms and their magnificent barns; we went antique hunting, ate in great little bistros, scavenged fun stores and a bookshop, toured the back roads, visited two restored plantations and a Shaker Village, and even played in the pool one sultry evening.
It was a great time for relaxing, too. We shared cooking and coffees, indulged in luscious deserts, and laughed our heads off over silly movies. There was time for quiet reflection, a bit of romance, and many conversations.
Leandra is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Eastern Kentucky, where she is highly regarded and quite happy in her work. She has faced many challenges in her life- the death of her son, a difficult relationship with her husband and divorce, the struggles of a single, working parent, and the hard path of healing emotionally from a life that has never been easy. Sadly, she has recently lost her sister, with whom she was very close, to cancer.
In spite of adversity, Leandra is an optimistic and energetic individual who quietly tackles life with faith and confidence. We feel fortunate to have her for a friend and to receive her encouragement and support regarding our own cancer journey.
It was so good to get away and gain some perspective. Chad works long hours and rarely has any time for himself, so it was especially satisfying to observe him rested and enjoying himself. I felt renewed and even more dedicated to remaining positive regarding my situation. The week in Camden (mid-coast Maine) was also inspiring and loads of fun. Mum and I had a fine time beachcombing and toodling about the beautiful towns of Camden and Rockport. (Pics and a story later.)
Treatment went as expected and next month there will be a scan to determine the effectiveness of the new therapy. The doctor was very compassionate, checking in to see how we were handling the news we’d had last month (that my then-treatment was failing and I have about a year 1/2 or two at most). I think we are all integrating the information well- with a grain of salt, and with plenty of hope that other treatments will successfully extend my time. Here are some pics, with more to come! XX, C
Chad and Carol, happy times in Kentucky!
In the Detroit airport, half-way to Kentucky.
Leandra's grandchildren, Mathew, 5 and Danielle, 8.
- Chad and Leandra, out and about in Lexington.
Leandra's baby dog, Lexi.
Playing with a fan at a fleamarket- it was hot!!
- Leandra, in front of the gate at a Shaker Meetinghouse.
Leandra, (R) and daughter, Lydia.