"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

"Gather ye rose-buds while ye may." Robert Herrick

Hello Friends!

Friends, Romans, countrymen...y'all. Foodies, gardeners, artists and collectors - let's gather together to share and possibly learn a thing or two in the mix.

Donna Baker

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Sisters


I've mentioned my sister from time to time.  We are polar opposites: she the prettier, more popular, outgoing and - older sister.  Those of you with one will understand; trailing behind like a puppy, wanting to play with her and her friends, a certain standing or hierarchy always awarded to the older sibling. We are only two years apart and shared a bedroom; we know each other like the back of our hand.

We spent many years apart, working and/or raising kids.  Now, we have more time to share.  We tell each other everything - she is my best friend and loves me more than anyone else in the world. I can't imagine her not being there for me.  She is the strong one.  Nobody can get one over on her.

This week has been a trial.  She went in for a CT scan of her liver and they saw something else on the other side.  After every type of scan, she has a large tumor on her adrenal gland above her kidney. It is very rare and after finally getting results from the PET scan yesterday, it is now a question of where to go.  I want her to go to MD Anderson.  She doesn't like the idea of going to Houston and would like to stay in OKC near her home, daughter and grands.  We'll see.  Meanwhile, I've been on the couch with a heating pad, nearly immobile with lower back disc thing, for a week.  As I've said several times before, sometimes you're the bug...

KK is "my north, my south, my east and west."

36 comments:

angryparsnip said...

When I didn't see you in blog world I was concerned. I thought it might be your daughter.I sent you a note.
Now I read it is your sister.... I have no words but hope an answer can be found.

Hugs from Tucson....
cheers, parsnip

oldgreymareprimitives said...

Prayers going out <3

donna baker said...

The early stages in the marathon are always a cluster %#*^. I didn't get your note, but thank you for thinking of me.

donna baker said...

Thank you. I'll tell her.

La Table De Nana said...

That wonderful picture says it all♥
Thinking of you..

Ry @ Sotto Il Monte Vineyards said...

Love the photo! All the best to your sister and to you.💕

Elephant's Child said...

Oh no.
Holding you and your sister in my heart.

Out on the prairie said...

Hope for good health for the two of you. I would go to the best place no matter where. I am just getting back into the states, staying in Miami for the night before returning back to Iowa.

Down by the sea said...

So sorry to hear about your sister, that must have been such a shock for all of you. Thinking of you all.... Sarah x

Joanne Noragon said...

Or, you can both go to Houston? You'll do the best, right thing.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Aww, so very sorry to read about your sister Donna, sending healing wishes and positive thoughts her way.
Hugs,
~Jo

donna baker said...

Sweet Monique, thank you.

donna baker said...

Thanks Ry and always a treat to hear from you.

donna baker said...

Thank you Child. Comforting to know that someone on the other side of earth is thinking of us.

donna baker said...

Hope you had a wonderful time. The prairie has probably changed while you were gone.

donna baker said...

Yes Sarah, still in shock which is a good thing. It helps. Thank you for thinking of us in the most beautiful place in the world.

donna baker said...

I'd love to Joanne as we did the whole MD Anderson thing in 2001 with my husband. Thing is my two elderly weenie girls who need meds, Sister is diabetic and has two shots of insulin a day and three different eye meds and of course she won't eat what she is supposed to so I have to cook her meals and on and on. I'm thinking of calling the hotel next to MD Anderson separated by a skywalk, to see if I can take them with me, otherwise, one of my children will have to take off work for a few days... Have to see if she will go there or not. Then make plans. They only see patients Mon. Tue. and Wed. and do surgery on Thur. and Fridays.

donna baker said...

Thank you dear Jo.

Mary said...

I never had a sister - a lovely younger brother made up for that in many ways - but I can understand the bond between you two, even from that adorable early photo!
I wish her well and will pray that she gets the best care no matter where she decides to go. Remind her daily to remain positive in thought, there are so many of us out here who've faced cancer (I'm assuming that's what her tumor might be) and are still standing (my hubby 12 years out and me 25 years, and so thankful).
As for you dear Donna, hoping your back is better very soon - know how that is too!
Will be holding you both close in thought - please keep us updated as to how things go.
Love to you . . . . . and your dear sis.
Mary XX

ellen abbott said...

sorry to hear this. my older sister is 3 years older than I and did not want me hanging around her and her friends. we never had much of a relationship until we were in our 20s when we became close. we moved here to Wharton because that's where she was living and yeah, she's my best friend now. I hope for the best possible outcome for your sister.

donna baker said...

Thank you so dear Mary. I think I know what she'll do and she had both breasts removed 5 years ago. This isn't related to earlier cancer. Our family has had more than our share of cancer; it is why we have such a knee jerk reaction to it. I will keep you updated and thanks again for caring.

donna baker said...

Yes Ellen, sounds much the same with us. I think she's going to choose to stay home for treatment and just hope she doesn't have to do the whole gamut of treatments. they are often the worst part.

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Donna .... I'm so sorry to hear that your sister is poorly .... I wish her well and hope to hear that she is getting the best treatment very soon..... and, of course it is so hard for you and your family.
Thinking of you all. XXXX

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Sorry Donna .... you got forgotten in my comment ..... wishing you back to 100% as quickly as possible. XXXX

donna baker said...

Jacqueline, that is so thoughtful of you. Thank you.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thinking of you both my dear.

donna baker said...

Thank you Pat. She began her career as a teacher and finished it as an elementary school principal. I always joked to her that I can tell a teacher from a mile off. Teachers are a certain breed - the best.

Share my Garden said...

Oh I'm so sorry to read this, Donna. My heartfelt wishes for a good outcome for your sister. You are obviously a great source of comfort to each other and I'm sure that the best decisions will be made. Various family members and close friends have had a big battle with cancer and come out triumphant, so do keep your thoughts positive. Hope you'll soon be off the couch and feeling better. Rx.

donna baker said...

Thank you so Rosemary. Just found out she will go to MD Anderson and that is the best thing that could have happened. Yes, we do all have friends and family with cancer and I sure hope they figure out how to make it just a chronic illness and soon!

Debbie Nolan said...

Dearest Donna - I am praying immediately for your sister and you too. I am sure in the end the best decisions will be made. Please take care of your back sweet friend. Sending you a big hug.

donna baker said...

Thank you so much Deb. I will tell KK about your prayers. She did make the decision this morning and has an appointment at MD Anderson Monday. I feel so much better. Hugs back to you.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister and your back. Sending all good thoughts your way.
Hugs,

donna baker said...

It means a lot Sandra. If anyone can beat it, my sister can.

Sandra Cox said...

I'm counting on it, Donna.
It seems like so many people are having serious health issues right now.

Bea said...

When I began reading your latest blog I was just happy to be reading something from you, then I felt sad. I wish for your sister the best possible outcome!
May you be feeling as well as you can be, too.
xx bea

donna baker said...

Thank you Bea. She has so much to live for. Her grandchildren are so close to her and she needs to see them grow up and is so beloved by her friends and family. We'll know more next week about what she is up against. She is sad and scared so please think of her and send her healing thoughts.