Christmas lights are big at my house, as these photos show. The day after Thanksgiving, friends with access to a bucket truck helped boost the wattage this year with some additional strands. At bottom left, you can see the wreath on the door and a tree on the stair landing add to the effect. But the photo at right gives you the view as you turn onto my street. The camel has become a staple of our neighborhood display.

Happy new year, everyone.  Today marks two weeks and five days since my last chemotherapy treatment, not that I am counting.

I have lots of good news to report. I  have started to feel my energy level return. I am now helping around the house and gladly cleaning up the kitchen, taking down Christmas decorations; actually getting back to being me!

I really appreciate the little things. Who would think that I could get excited about cleaning up the kitchen or feeding the dogs and such?  But it is true.

Oh, by the way, I had a bout of the flu. Type A, and it is nasty stuff. Please be careful.

It really made me weak and I lost additional weight. Two weeks ago today was the worst of it. I actually had to use a wheelchair when I went to Kirklin for the lab work. But my doctor put me on Tamiflu and got it turned around. I did spend part of Christmas in my pajamas under a blanket, which I hated, but my strength is coming back!

I usually take the flu shot but could not this year because of the chemo. Next year I’ll be sure to do so.

Lately, I can not seem to get warm and am cold a lot. So my new saying is “get moving!” When I can do this, it makes me feel better and more productive.

Also, I have started slowly getting back to elements of my exercise routine, which is a great joy for me. For the past several mornings I’ve put on my running clothes and gotten out and walked and jogged a little.

More in the good news department:  I have found relief from my rash finally, after another dermatology appointment last Monday with another steroid shot. The stinging and misery are subsiding. It has not gone completely, but I hope it is on its way out.  I also was dealing with mouth sores that I am happy to say they also are gone.

I have to give out a shout out to my sister, Debbie, who got me to doctors’ appointments when I had the flu and cooked wonderful things like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes,  casseroles, etc. She has been so sweet. Wonderful, really.

I still was able work in visits to family and dear friends. I’ve enjoyed a day here and there in Meridian, MS; and Franklin, TN, for example. I’ll close out 2013 in south Florida. During one of these visits on Saturday, I had my first glass of wine in who knows when and it went fine.

My surgery is set for Jan. 14, so I’m focusing on success there. Thankfully, all signs are pointing to my strength being fully recovered for that next adventure.

As always, I close with a feeling of deep gratitude.