Newest milestone!

Rich has been very hesitant to have me drive since my surgery but today he gave me a "driving test". I drove us around town to do our morning errands. It all seemed manageable. I was really focusing and being extra careful. We got home with no incident and he said that I had "passed" the test. Hooray!!!

I can't imagine that I will do any long drives, but it is helpful to be able to go into town, especially since I will be starting physical therapy this week.

Big day on Tuesday. We see the oncologist to hear about our future!

Much love,
Kate

Week of seeing Docs

We went to Boston yesterday to follow-up with Dr. Sugarbaker. He was very happy with my progress and said all of my aches and pains are completely normal and a little ahead of schedule. Apparently I'm healing very well. He does want me to start some physical therapy to help increase my range of motion for the left shoulder.

Today we met with a radiation oncologist, Dan Canaday, at Cape Cod Hospital. It was just an initial meet and greet. He explained about the treatment, side affects and the pros and cons of doing radiation. Once we meet with the oncologist next Tuesday with will have a better idea of what the plan will be and the timing.

Rumor has it that it is going to be sunny tomorrow...can't wait!!!

Much love, Kate

Hot off the press

We got Alyson to the airport in ample time this morning...no delays on the southeast expressway.

We met with the ENT doctor. He said it is not likely my voice will deteriorate further and it is not damaging to it to press it for a sound. He did say he would like to wait until the chemo and radiation are both done before he takes the next step to repair the vocal cord. We have our next appointment with him in 3 months.

I had hoped that we would have a speedier resolve to this issue but apparently not. The lesson of patience just continues to surface. I certainly am trying to be patient but I (we) are so ready to be done with this. But as Rich pointed out today, I am trading a year or 1 1/2 years of my life now for a chance to live another 30 plus years when this is all finished.

I am grateful to have the amazing medicine available that makes this all possible, but I'm still ready to be done or at least enjoying a little sunshine.

Much love, Kate

New Milestone

Five weeks since my surgery. By all accounts, I'm doing well. I am still very easily fatigued and my energy is quite low. I can walk in the morning and then do errands etc. but by 2 pm it is nap time. Don't be surprised if you don't reach me between 2 and 4. I turn the ringer off and am gone.

I'm sorry to say that my niece is leaving tomorrow...bummer. We have had a really nice week. I so appreciate her coming to visit.

Rich and I will take her to the airport in the morning and then off to the Brigham to meet with the ENT doc who did the work on my vocal cords. We are going to explore the next options and see about timing. Hope to know something soon.

Much love, Kate

My niece Alyson and I are having a great visit. She has been good motivation in the walking department! She's been cracking the whip!

Every day I'm making progress. I think I walked a little faster yesterday. One less medication starting today. All good milestones to note.

I still don't know when chemo and radiation will start but I now have appointments lined up with those doctors in the next few weeks, so we will figure something out soon.

Thanks to all for the wonderful meals, flowers, cards and support.

Much love, Kate

Four weeks

since my surgery. I had envisioned feeling a little better than I do but every day there is progress.

We saw Dr. Sugerbaker on Tuesday and he was very pleased with my progress. We found out that I will be doing both chemo and radiation as follow-up therapy. We're not sure when it will start.

I am also going to have another procedure done to help restore my vocal cords. Don't know when that will be either.

Lots of things juggling with little resolve. And the rainiest spring I have ever seen on Cape Cod.

Great news, my niece Alyson, is coming to visit. She arrives tomorrow for a week. It will be great to have the company.

Much love, Kate

Hooray!`

I just took my first walk alone. Twenty two minutes. Climbed the driveway without even getting too winded. The little victories of life.

Much love, Kate

Another milestone

Today marks three weeks out from my surgery. As Rich said this morning, all the holes are filling in! My energy is variable but to be expected after such major surgery. I had a PT evaluation today and the gal was in and out of the house in 15 minutes. She said, there is nothing you need from me! Another bit of good news. She just reiterated...walk, walk , walk.

I would be happier walking if it wasn't raining. Can anyone do anything about that??

I got up early to see Mary off. Her family has really missed her and she them. It's really been so helpful to have her here. I will miss her though.

Much love, Kate

June 2nd

We got on the road from the hospital yesterday at 1:15 so happily missed rush hour. My friend Ilene picked Mary and me up and brought us back to the cape. I didn't feel so wiped out as I had the Thursday before. A good sign of progress.

As always, I'm so happy to be home again. The quiet, peacefulness of our neighborhood is so energizing. Not to mention my comfy bed!

I got 2 walks in today and a two hour nap and feel really good for 8 pm.

I'm not looking forward to Mary leaving on Thursday. She has been a wonderful support and caring sister for the past two weeks.

Much love, Kate

Home again, home again

Looks like all is in order again with my fluid metabolism so I get to go home today. I'm still waiting for them to do an echocardiogram, scheduled at 11. With the drive back to the Cape I told them I really wanted to be on the road by one if possible. It's too easy to slide into the slippery slope of rush hour if it's much later.

I'll be happy to be in my quiet little house. It's been a lot like Grand Central Station!

Much love, Kate