El Nino is here and is supposed to kick our butts this winter! It has already brought torrential rains and mudslides to Southern CA. There is a large school of great white sharks that were seen outside the Golden Gate and puffer fish found in Monterey Bay. It all points to a nasty winter this year. The weather currently in Pleasant Hill is fantastic (cool mornings, clear skies, warm afternoons and cool nights). It's Christina and my favorite time of the year. But just around the corner...
It's the same for Christina and her recovery from surgery and chemotherapy. Instead of rain and snow, we are expecting hormone replacement therapy, physical therapy from lymphedema and a slight chance of radiation. This will be followed by reconstructive surgery. We don't when the storm is coming. We just know it is coming.
She continues to amaze me and her doctors. Last week, she ran approximately 45 miles. My back aches when I drive 45 miles! Seriously! While I limp around and go to chiropractors and acupuncturist to treat my bones and sinewy muscles, Christina bounces around and says that she is blessed. She is not just saying it, either.
I need to get myself in shape and quick! If the winter is close to what the "experts" are saying, I need to quick and nimble during the storms. I don't want to end up like some of the less fortunate members of the Donner Party.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Back to "normal"
Christina and I have been home for a few days following a relaxing and fun vacation in Florida. Two of our good friends hosted us for a milestone birthday in the keys. They are angels that stand beside us in our journey. For a handful of days, we didn't have to deal with cancer and everything that goes along with it. So, we are back to normal. Whatever that means..
Normal for Christina? Painful left arm that is some times unbearable yet she rarely takes pain medication. Swelling and pain near the surgery area from adhesion and scar tissue from her mastectomy.The inflator device inside her has been very painful as well. Oh yeah, her wig that she dubbed "Felicia," leaves indentations in her head from the constant pressure of wearing it. Through it all, she just deals with it and shrugs " I am blessed." Normal also includes five toe nails falling out in a 24 hour period after we got back home. She tried very hard to keep them attached and painted so no one would notice. They finally gave out and it looks like a few more will succumb to the side effects of the chemotherapy she took earlier this year.
Normal also means doctors visits. Yesterday was bone density scan. Today she meets with plastic surgeons for her reconstructive surgery in November. More doctor visits in the near future so she can start her hormone replacement therapy.
There are some good things happening: She is running on a regular basis and her strength is coming back. Her hair is growing back as well. I cannot wait until it's the same length as mine so we can take some funny pictures... That will feel normal to me. Since February, normal hasn't been associated with anything positive in our lives. That's changing now.
Normal for Christina? Painful left arm that is some times unbearable yet she rarely takes pain medication. Swelling and pain near the surgery area from adhesion and scar tissue from her mastectomy.The inflator device inside her has been very painful as well. Oh yeah, her wig that she dubbed "Felicia," leaves indentations in her head from the constant pressure of wearing it. Through it all, she just deals with it and shrugs " I am blessed." Normal also includes five toe nails falling out in a 24 hour period after we got back home. She tried very hard to keep them attached and painted so no one would notice. They finally gave out and it looks like a few more will succumb to the side effects of the chemotherapy she took earlier this year.
Normal also means doctors visits. Yesterday was bone density scan. Today she meets with plastic surgeons for her reconstructive surgery in November. More doctor visits in the near future so she can start her hormone replacement therapy.
There are some good things happening: She is running on a regular basis and her strength is coming back. Her hair is growing back as well. I cannot wait until it's the same length as mine so we can take some funny pictures... That will feel normal to me. Since February, normal hasn't been associated with anything positive in our lives. That's changing now.
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