Journal entry by Alice Williamson Oldham —
Good morning from snowy central Ohio. We got our first measurable snowfall overnight and at our house there's about 3 inches on the ground. At any rate, I hope you got the MLK holiday to tuck in and be a little lazy. I did and am taking full advantage of it.
I wanted to give an update because we have been having a lot of good things going on around here. First off, my doctor released me to go back to work. Just part time for now (shorter days, 30 hours a week) until I build back up my stamina. It has been fantastic. I think I'm going to be tired for awhile so I'm giving myself some grace in that category. Last week I worked all 5 days and I was EXHAUSTED. So grateful for the long weekend to get my bearings back. But I can't describe how wonderful it was to see everyone and catch up on things, and to work and feel some normalcy. I'm still not driving so it's been a logistical challenge here and there but my amazing friend Karen W has offered to use her afternoon breaks to bring me home each day until I don't need her anymore. Isn't that something? I have the very best friends and family!
Yesterday, I went up and down the basement stairs a few times. I got to meet that new washer and dryer and they are fancy-schmancy compared to the old ones! So really two things happened yesterday: 1.) I tackled the basement stairs that I have been dreading and fearful of. I had Keith with me on all the trips up and down (for safety) but if I take it slow and deliberate, it should be fine. And 2.) I did laundry and was able to take back another chore from Keith to continue to try and lighten his workload and re-balance things a little.
I also made dinner in the crock pot everyday this past week so I am hoping that he feels a little less stress and can breathe a little easier. Of course, he's outside shoveling snow as I type this so I won't ask him if he's feeling less busy. Next goal is driving. The hip Dr said I could so Keith and I need to get out to a empty parking lot or such to do some practicing. Trying very hard to get away from the walker although I take it to work with me right now. Outpatient PT is going well, it's at the YMCA in Powell and I really like my therapist Sherri. It was recommended to me and I would definitely recommend to anyone. She works me and it is HARD but it feels good to be challenged.
My next infusion is on Thursday, January 27th. I have a bone density test (to get a benchmark) and CT scans to measure everything. I will update everyone afterwards. Please keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming. A little nervous about this one. I didn't get any chemo for about 5 months (July 22nd-Jan 6th) while they were trying to get my hip replacement surgery scheduled so lets hope there is no new growth and they at least stayed stable.
Thanks everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I wanted to give an update because we have been having a lot of good things going on around here. First off, my doctor released me to go back to work. Just part time for now (shorter days, 30 hours a week) until I build back up my stamina. It has been fantastic. I think I'm going to be tired for awhile so I'm giving myself some grace in that category. Last week I worked all 5 days and I was EXHAUSTED. So grateful for the long weekend to get my bearings back. But I can't describe how wonderful it was to see everyone and catch up on things, and to work and feel some normalcy. I'm still not driving so it's been a logistical challenge here and there but my amazing friend Karen W has offered to use her afternoon breaks to bring me home each day until I don't need her anymore. Isn't that something? I have the very best friends and family!
Yesterday, I went up and down the basement stairs a few times. I got to meet that new washer and dryer and they are fancy-schmancy compared to the old ones! So really two things happened yesterday: 1.) I tackled the basement stairs that I have been dreading and fearful of. I had Keith with me on all the trips up and down (for safety) but if I take it slow and deliberate, it should be fine. And 2.) I did laundry and was able to take back another chore from Keith to continue to try and lighten his workload and re-balance things a little.
I also made dinner in the crock pot everyday this past week so I am hoping that he feels a little less stress and can breathe a little easier. Of course, he's outside shoveling snow as I type this so I won't ask him if he's feeling less busy. Next goal is driving. The hip Dr said I could so Keith and I need to get out to a empty parking lot or such to do some practicing. Trying very hard to get away from the walker although I take it to work with me right now. Outpatient PT is going well, it's at the YMCA in Powell and I really like my therapist Sherri. It was recommended to me and I would definitely recommend to anyone. She works me and it is HARD but it feels good to be challenged.
My next infusion is on Thursday, January 27th. I have a bone density test (to get a benchmark) and CT scans to measure everything. I will update everyone afterwards. Please keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming. A little nervous about this one. I didn't get any chemo for about 5 months (July 22nd-Jan 6th) while they were trying to get my hip replacement surgery scheduled so lets hope there is no new growth and they at least stayed stable.
Thanks everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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