My ORN buddy from CA has his jaw replacement surgery on this coming Tuesday. Please pile up a lot of Good Vibes for Steve Nau and his wife Sandy, and keep them going until I get a sign that they are doing OK. We were very scared going into my procedure in May and it turned out to be twice the struggle we were prepared for. But with lots of help from Terry and Team Mike and visits from my many siblings, we have made it through. Steve needs the same kind of support.
After staying on a plateau of sorts with the healing in my leg and foot I have made great progress in just the last 2-3 days. My gait is almost even on both sides and the feelings of weakness are gone for the most part. Just woke up one morning and had none of the creaks and stiffness in that area and have not used the brace since.
The left shoulder remains a problem, but that too is getting better. I discovered a large knot in the trapezius muscle and have been massaging that regularly. The knot is still there, but it seems to be loosening up a bit and I have more range of motion too. I still can't reach to scratch the back of my neck, but I can now pick my nose with my left hand, so will call that excellent progress.
You define 'progress' your way, I'll do it my way.
Please keep Steve and Sandy in your thoughts next week.
Mike
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Progress Report, and Update on Maureen
I continue to make good progress and getting stronger every day. My diet is pretty much back to where it was a year ago. I use the liquid food only as a convenient choice 2-3 mornings a week, and for a quick snack between meals. My weight has stabilized where I'd like to have it, but watch it a lot to make sure it doesn't creep up or slip down too much.
Terry found a great compression/brace for my left ankle and I wear that now instead of the compression hose and plastic ankle brace. It is much easier to get on and off, and gives me more lateral stability and better balance. The drop foot is still evident, but mostly only when those muscles get fatigued.
Thanks to PT and trips to the chiropractor my left shoulder is getting better, too. I have more range of motion and am gaining a bit of strength in that joint. I still can't lift much weight with it, but it is getting a lot better.
My chiropractor has also fixed my back problems, that were definitely a result of being out of alignment in my left ankle. I now walk with a more fluid gait, and can walk longer distances before I get tired. I might be jogging again before too long, dare I say it!
My chiropractor is Maureen, who I mentioned a few months ago as being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I am glad to report that she is back at work on a reduced schedule and the docs say her cancer is shrinking from the chemo. She still takes a dose of chemo on a regular basis, and has more infusions ahead, but it would appear that it's working--so far. Keep your fingers crossed for her continued improvement.
Terry and I are starting to get back to the new-normal of being cancer survivors, by doing some projects around the house that went by the way in May and June, and by doing some limited travel. We are going to Asheville NC later this month for a short getaway, and have a contracting crew ready to start a remodeling of our house front entry. Terry is gearing up for her annual Scarecrow in the Garden sculpture, and I'm making plans to put in a wood working shop in the basement. And, we recently entered our next chili cookoff. It's not until November, but it felt nice to be able to plan ahead that far.
More soon.
Mike
Terry found a great compression/brace for my left ankle and I wear that now instead of the compression hose and plastic ankle brace. It is much easier to get on and off, and gives me more lateral stability and better balance. The drop foot is still evident, but mostly only when those muscles get fatigued.
Thanks to PT and trips to the chiropractor my left shoulder is getting better, too. I have more range of motion and am gaining a bit of strength in that joint. I still can't lift much weight with it, but it is getting a lot better.
My chiropractor has also fixed my back problems, that were definitely a result of being out of alignment in my left ankle. I now walk with a more fluid gait, and can walk longer distances before I get tired. I might be jogging again before too long, dare I say it!
My chiropractor is Maureen, who I mentioned a few months ago as being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I am glad to report that she is back at work on a reduced schedule and the docs say her cancer is shrinking from the chemo. She still takes a dose of chemo on a regular basis, and has more infusions ahead, but it would appear that it's working--so far. Keep your fingers crossed for her continued improvement.
Terry and I are starting to get back to the new-normal of being cancer survivors, by doing some projects around the house that went by the way in May and June, and by doing some limited travel. We are going to Asheville NC later this month for a short getaway, and have a contracting crew ready to start a remodeling of our house front entry. Terry is gearing up for her annual Scarecrow in the Garden sculpture, and I'm making plans to put in a wood working shop in the basement. And, we recently entered our next chili cookoff. It's not until November, but it felt nice to be able to plan ahead that far.
More soon.
Mike
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