Cabernet and Carboplatin

Today was a most momentous day. I had my first occupational therapy appointment, putting me one step closer to using my right arm. Granted, we didn't do much, but it still brought me great joy knowing I am on the path to getting it mobile and strong. And I got my leg. It's pretty snazzy. Since I won't actually be doing any real walking on it for quite some time I have not downloaded its app. But... it's got an app! And it has a plug-in charger. I can see how much it's charged by turning it upside down and counting beeps. Five beeps fully charged, and so on. I just had to order some running shorts because all of my shorts are too long and they run into the socket. I will need the shorts once I start physical therapy in another week. Until then I will wear the liner, which is pretty tight, and put the prosthesis on a couple times a day to get comfortable with it, both physically and psychologically. I need to learn to shift weight onto my residual leg while wearing ...

Of course I'm a long way from being finished, but I feel like I am moving so much closer to having more of my life back. Although how I can say that with one arm immobilized and bed being my only semi-comfortable place is baffling, even to me. But right now my optimism is outweighing any obstacle still out there. The shoulder surgery I had on Friday, to fix the torn rotator cuff and reattach some muscles, went well. I am home now, pretty much staying in bed, and Jerry, once again, is making sure I get everything I need. Since it is my right arm, it means I need a lot. I can't even get my pills from the bedside table. I have managed to figure out how to get to the bedside commode by myself so I don't have to wake him in the middle of the night. But everything else is pretty much on him. I'm taking narcotics and anti-nausea drugs at night so I'm sleeping pretty well. And the dreams! They are spectacular. I've driven a sporty convertible and had really bad wine....

After a talk with the anesthesiologist, she agreed I could have surgery at the Hopkins Outpatient Center on the main campus, and she scheduled it for April 14, just two days after it was originally scheduled. I assured her I did not have shortness of breath or chest pains, but I did agree with her that being close to the main hospital was a better idea than having surgery in what is basically a shopping center. In reality I feel reassured. I was so relieved to get this information today, rather than having to spend a weekend worrying about it. Instead, I will spend the weekend going out to dinner with friends, buying arugula and mushrooms at the farmers' market, and learning how to use Excel so I can make follow-up phone calls to cat adopters. I spoke to my physical therapist yesterday. I have an appointment with him the first week in May. While I won't get to walk on my new prosthesis until I can use my right arm, he will work with me so I can stand with it. That alone ...

I saw Mark, my prosthetist today. We tried on the gel liner that was made for me, and while it was really tight, he said it would eventually loosen a bit, so it should be fine. He then made a cast of the liner so the socket can be made. He has already ordered the prosthetic, and by the end of the month I should have it. Once all that comes in, I will start back at physical therapy to learn how to walk again. I left the appointment feeling hopeful and happy. One obstacle was that my right arm will be in a sling, but my hope is my physical therapist will still be able to work with me. All good until I got another message. My rotator cuff surgery had to be canceled because the anesthesiologist does not think I should have it at an outpatient center due to my past pulmonary embolism and heart issues. It needs to be rescheduled at the main hospital, but the question is when. I really do understand their concern. It makes sense. But I am so anxious to get this shoulder repaired. While it ...