April 13, 2008

Hello everyone!

I tried to update this blog awhile ago, but after doing all the typing, it didn't take it, so I'll try again.

I went back to work January 14th, part time of my part time job. The person taking my place had gotten a new job and I felt strong enough to try to go back. A week after I started back, I started physical therapy to get the foot down as I have been using the ball of my foot and toes for balance, but never put the heel down. THAT was difficult as swelling replaced the bend of my ankle. After three weeks of practicing and finally get a special pair of shoes from Carl's in Moorestown, I was able to walk for a short period with the use of crutches.

As of this date, I use one crutch for balance as I'm afraid of falling. I recently went for my 3 month MRI and CT scan. In January I had them done and aside from small nodules which were there in my lung from the very beginning, nothing has changed. I was pronounced "cancer free". The wound, however, still hasn't closed up which means that I have to change the dressing everyday with a nurse coming twice a week to make sure it doesn't get infected. There's still some swelling in the ankle which could be due to a slight increase in blood pressure. If I walk too much, then the ankle swells up and I have to put my foot up. The wound isn't closing up as fast as I thought, but the surgeon told me on April 8th that it was due to the fact that I had radiation there.

The hair is coming in finally with a brownish red color, but not curly like a lot of people told me their hair came in. Mine is straight with cowlicks in the front and back. It's so soft that people like to rub my head and feel it. One time I spiked it up for work, but I didn't feel comfortable doing it. A lot of people tell me that now is the time to experiment.

So all is well with me. I feel like I'm getting back to normal. I stand in the shower again, but am careful getting out of the tub. I do put weight on my right foot, but gently without shoes. I still use the riding carts at the food store as I can't stand a long time. I tried that yesterday shopping for a shower present with Lisa, and then overdid it at another store. I have been driving to and from work which is 1.5 miles, but still rely on people for the longer drives. I had my brother take me to Phila. for the surgeon's visit last week.

Thank you to everyone who read this blog over the year since we started it. Your prayers and concerns, calls, lunch dates have helped me to get through this. While we were "On the Road to Recovery" we can now call this blog "On the Road to Prevention" of cancer ever happening again.

Have a good day.

Betsy