Author: Amie

Wife. Daughter. Sister. Care giver.

Categories
Life

What’s next?

Amie & Remi

Hi Everyone,

It has been a long time since our last blog so a quick update:

In April, I had an MRI at Swedish Cherry Hill and a virtual appointment with Dr. Hensen. At the time my doctor noticed a small spot he wanted to watch, letting us know it may be a new tumor growing in the same location and it might not. 

Medical Update

Fast forward to July, we returned to Swedish for my 6 month MRI and appointment with Dr. Henson. Due to COVID-19, I had my MRI and appointment in office while Tim waited for me in the car. Luckily he had the animated movie, The Book of Life, to keep him busy. 

The results, no new tumor growth!! The spot we saw in April turned out to be scar tissue, we were so relieved and I kinda forgot to post on the blog (my bad, sorry y’all). My next MRI and clinic appointment are scheduled for January, 2021! 

I am happy to report that I feel better now than I did a year ago! My balance and sense of space are pretty much back to normal, walking up and down stairs is no longer a problem. I continue to have numbness in my left foot and calf, most likely nerve damage that occured during my surgery. Otherwise all of my daily activities are back to normal, including driving Tim crazy while he works from home… the animals aren’t much for conversation.

Adoption

As many of you know, Tim and I have been hoping to adopt an infant over the past two years. After many prayers, tears, and hugs we have decided to focus on our fur family of five. This was not an easy decision to make, but we really appreciate all of your support at the end of our adoption journey. Now it’s time to focus on our health, our blessings and see where our next chapter takes us.

Beckler Basecamp

Thanks to Megan and Andrew for the beautiful corn hole boards for our hide-a-way! (Instagram for Live Wild Workshop)

A perk during the pandemic (yes, there have been a few bright spots) is we found our hide-a-way in the mountains! Tim and I have dreamed of this opportunity since we started dating and we are now proud owners of Beckler Basecamp—named after one of our favorite hikes. The property sits on the Cascade River, just outside of Marblemount, WA. The property included a 5th wheel trailer we named “Betty White” which we plan to renovate in the coming years. Activities include roasting Samoa cookie s’mores, walking Remi through the woods, playing corn hole and relaxing along the river.

Happy first week of fall everyone, please know we are sending our love to all,

Amie, Tim, Butch, Squeak & Remi

Categories
Life

The Difference a Month Makes!

Life is Good

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would give this blogging thing a try! A huge thank you to Tim for keeping our blog going while I was on pain meds, sleeping or both.

Tim & Remi

The plan for Christmas morning 2019 was to wake up and see what Santa had left us under the tree. Instead I woke up in the ICU at Swedish after having my ‘satsuma’ sized tumor removed. I guess God and Santa Claus had other plans, best gift I’ve ever received!

Okay, let’s review:

  • You should definitely pick up a 3 month old puppy the week before you are diagnosed with a brain tumor.
  • Be sure to make friends everywhere you go, including in almost every department of Swedish Hospital, Cherry Hill.
  • Don’t be alarmed if you wake up every morning to the sound of hammering in your head. Tiny elves have easily built a new treehouse in my head. Thankfully they are now adding finishing touches like picture frames and crown molding.
  • Tim and I continue to be extremely grateful to our family and friends who have come to visit, brought dinner and sent treats from afar. The notes of positive thoughts, love and prayers have been super encouraging during my recovery.
  • Curbs are less scary than they used to be and I’m reducing my dependency on Tylenol. Plus my energy level is coming back and as everyone reminds me, my personality is completely intact (thank goodness!).
  • Future goals: Learning to drive again, operating the hair dryer, and having my first adult beverage in 2020.

Next appointment: February 3rd with Dr. Litvack and his NP, Nicole, to review my meds and progress.

So Much Love,

Amie, Tim, Butch, Squeak & Remi

*Enjoy a few photos from around the house. Apparently I like the saying, “Life is Good” as you can see from our wall art and my tee shirt!