Hello Summer!!!!

Thought I'd post a quick update on the family. Let's kick it off with my health update. I had my most recent PET scan May 5. Areas in my lungs that showed up on my previous scan looked "improved." Chances are those areas are due to my H1N1 saga...namely just spots left from pneumonia. My oncologist still wants to follow them closely, but is willing to wait until October for my next PET.

I've decided it's time to get back on track and finish my breast reconstruction. I still have my expanders in, and was supposed to see the surgeon back in November to discuss getting those pulled out and my implants put in. Of course, I happened to be in a coma in November, and with my unclear PET scan in January, had opted to put off my visit with the surgeon. But now that things are looking better in my lungs, and physically I'm pretty much back to normal, I've scheduled an appointment the end of this month. I'm stoked about the prospect of getting implants and finishing things up. One of my expanders flipped sideways (they are triangular), so my right "breast" is a little odd looking. Plus they are at full capacity, so they're rock hard. Sleeping on my stomach is somewhat uncomfortable. It'll be nice to have something that feels more natural.

Mel is doing well. He continues to have back issues, and because of that is opting to stay home for the summer. The surgeon told him that he'd have to find a new line of work...that working in the landscaping field was not going to be an option. And with my health issues, focusing on a new career wasn't at the top of his priorities. He's considering going back to school to get certified as a teacher's aide. He's be really good at it. He's excellent with children, and has thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the after school program this spring. He'll be helping run the Gardening Club over the summer.

Dominic continues to be as smart as ever, but also continues to have difficulties actually doing his school work. We've adjusted his ADD medication dose, and that seems to have helped a little. He's also seeing a psychologist, who is giving us some tips on how to manage his issues better.

Connor is just as crazy as usual. He's so adventurous, and has no problems speaking his mind. But he also likes to be "Dad," and his brothers get sick of Connor always telling them what to do. LOL It'll be interesting to see how things go this summer.

Duncan is still having problems wetting the bed at night, and has soiled himself three times in the past week. He had a doctor appointment on the 21st to hopefully figure out what's going on. I think part of it is that he doesn't like going to the bathroom at school. He doesn't like speaking up if someone knocks on the door, and then since he doesn't speak up they open the door on him. But I'm not sure why this would be an issue all of a sudden, when he's been fine all year. Thank Goddess the school year is almost over.

In other news, on Saturday we are planning on taking in a 3-year-old Holland Lop named Jack. His owner was an MSU student and no longer has the time to give him the attention he deserves. The cool part is he comes with all of his accessories (cage, carrier, playpen, etc.). We've talked about getting a bunny since we bunny-sat for Dominic's class two summers ago. We are so excited to meet Jack on Saturday!

We also now own bikes for everyone in the family. I've started biking to work a few times a week. It's a short, 2-mile ride, and I really enjoy it. The temperature isn't too bad at 7 a.m., and the traffic is pretty light. I'm hoping to keep it up throughout the summer. Although, I'm not sure how hot it will be when I'm riding home at 5:30 p.m. We might buy a bike carrier for the car so Mel and the boys can pick me up after work.

That's all for now. May you all have an absolutely amazing day. :0)