365 Days With Bonnie: February 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019

2-18-2019

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!

I went for my eye doctor's appointment today. This place was called Vision Victory. I have tried other specialist to see if they could help me with the loss of my peripheral vision. It has almost been two years since my brain surgery and I have been to a few specialist that have said that there is nothing that could be done. I had an eye exam at the beginning of the month and this optometrist told me that there was hope. My optometrist took me into an examining room and we had such a nice talk. She said that she thought that she could help me. She took out a strip that she called a prism and put it on the top of my right lens. It looked like a thick piece of tape. I put back on my glasses and she told me to look straight up and into the prism tape and moving my eye to the right. WOW! The first thing I saw was a pole lamp. I yelled out!!! "I can see the light." We all laughed and I burst into tears. This prism strip on my glasses was going to work for me
I have been blessed once again. It will take practice and getting used to but I will work hard every day to make the improvements that I need to be able to see once again.
I want to walk alone, ride a bike and my biggest goal is to run a road race.
This day has become an inspiration for me to keep fighting. There is always someone out there that can help you! Go for those second, third and forth opinion. I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID..... NOT GIVE UP!!!! xxoo

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

February 13, 2019

A quick update on some exciting news. I have an appointment with a specialist that may be able to help me with my vision problem. This place is called Vision Victory. They will try and do all that they can do for me. Talking about a prism on my glasses. If this doesn't work they have another idea that they would like to try. It has been frustrating dealing with the loss of my peripheral issue. Seems like I am always bumping into things. Hate going into a grocery store!!!! Shopping carts to the left of me!!! Shopping carts to the right of me! So overwhelming!!! I am always bumping into things and and have the black and blues to prove it. I am not going to get my hopes up for next monday but pray that something will help me with my vision problem. If not, I know that I have done everything possible that I could do and will move on!

Had my infusion and took my friend Sandy with me this time! My times have been moved up to 8:30 which makes such a big difference. An extra hour to sleep!!!! We can now catch the six o'clock bus and not the five. Poor Sandy! What a trooper! I know how much she hates riding the "T". I even got mixed up a couple of times. Outbound!!! Inbound!!!! People every where. I will get it one of theses days!

Had a few bad days this week but bounced right back. Stuffy nose, chills and slight fever. A little run down going back and forth up north to help my mother move her things to assisted care.Thank goodness I have a brother and sister's that have helped with the move.
We had to find a home for her cat and it breaks my heart. The new owners are wonderful and keep sending us pictures of Mittens. He is in a great home and is much loved. Mom keeps asking for her cat and has finally been tole that is is with me. She is happy about that but wants me to bring him up fo a visit. UGH! Will make her a photo album of her cat Mittens and will give it to her when I feel the time is right.😟

Decided to get my camera out this afternoon andtake a few pictures. on a cloudy and snowy day. Never use it much anymore. I keep hearing my good friend say to me.. "Use your good eye." A private joke that we have shared. I like going out into Steve's truck and sit there with the window wide open. COLD but invigreatine. I wait patiently for the birds to come out of the bush and to the bird feeders. Something that I have always enjoyed and it made me feel so happy. Will work on my shutter speed as it is somewhat off. My dad was a wonderful photographer. I loved taking pictures but stopped last year.....

I think I will try again tomorrow. Maybe the sun will be out.

Will stay in touch and let you all know how things went next Monday.... Will need a few prayers...xxoo

About Us

A Note From Bonnie:

As many of you know, I was diagnosed with melanoma in November of 2010. They found traces of melanoma in two of my lymph nodes. I had the melanoma removed and during a year of treatment with interferon I came up with a bucket list of things I wanted to do in my life. One of these things was to walk 50 miles for Lend A Hand. I made a promise to myself that I was going to do it. This foundation does so many great things for people who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. I had big plans to do my walk this year but my melanoma returned to my left lung and my brain. I had brain surgery a week after my diagnosis in September of 2017. I am now in treatments for my right lung. Since my brain surgery I lost partial vision in my right eye. I can no longer drive a vehicle which is discouraging for me. I also need a friend to walk or run by my side.

This January, my friend Christa and I did the Runner's Alley Winter Warrior Challenge for the second year in a row. We walked in sleet, blizzards, freezing temperatures and did at least 3 miles everyday for 31 days. It gave me a purpose to keep going and to remain positive. It got me off the couch and into the fresh air. It gave me a reason to get up every morning.

So on January 31, our last day of the challenge my friend said "I will walk by your side for 365 days if you would like to walk for Lend A Hand". So here we are... and so it begins!

A Note From Christa:

I have known Bonnie for 41 years. Since I was 2 years old. Bonnie is my mom's very best friend. To me, Bonnie is a great inspiration of hope and strength. I am honored to be able to walk beside Bonnie for 365 walks (and many many laughs). It makes me happy that I can help her achieve her goal of walking for Lend A Hand. I get to be her second set of eyes and I am honored.