One Year Anniversary

It's been one year since I got the news about a tumor on my spine that required an immediate operation and resulted in my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. And what a year it has been! Fortunately I had the greatest surgeons and doctors who not only operated at the highest skill level but also had bedside manners that helped to carry me through this difficult time. And the majority of nurses and therapists were outstanding both in skill and manner as well. That technical care and skill was critical to the recovery which I have made so far. But I cannot forget the tremendous support I have received from Terri, Elizabeth, Andrew, Michael, and Katie and my siblings and their families, our pastors, chaplains, and countless friends, church members, and even strangers who helped us all in so many ways, including their well wishes and prayers. I am here today by the grace of God in response to the care and concern of so many people and for that Terri and I are most grateful.

Terri and I did not realize it at the time, but we chose this week to spend in Michigan with the family. What a wonderful time we have had, especially sharing the beauties of Michigan with little Anna! The weather could not have been better. Sunny blue skies, warm--not hot--days, cool nights, and warm water for swimming. The sunsets have been spectacular. Elizabeth and Michael even sang in church last Sunday. What better way to celebrate how far I have come!

Just a reminder that the 3K walk/run for MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) is October 2. If you live in the Chicago area, please plan on joining us for a good time on what hopefully will be a beautiful fall day. If you don't live in the Chicago area, we would appreciate a donation to the cause. MMRF has made great strides in the treatment of multiple myeloma over the past 10 years. Whether you are participating in the walk, want to come down to cheer us on, or are interested in making a donation, please go to our team's website Bob's Your Uncle at  http://support.themmrf.org/goto/bobsyouruncle
We'd love to hear from you.

Thank you.

Who? When? What?

Found this sign while I was out and about! Kind of describes my last 6 months, especially my time in the ICU!

Save the Date: MMRF Race for Research, Sunday, Oct. 2 @ 9:30 AM

If you live in the Chicago area, please plan on joining us on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 9:30 AM for the MMRF Race for Research in Lincoln Park. Many of you may remember that last year the race was held just a couple weeks after my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. My daughter Elizabeth and niece Heather organized a team they called Bob's Your Uncle, which is an expression in England that means "It's ok" or "all will be well" and raised over $2000. Given recent tests, showing my cancer is in remission, it seems to be a fitting name for our team again this year.

Last year's team

Over the last 10 years the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) has aggressively been funding research to cure the disease. Its founder, herself a MM survivor, was recognized last year as one of Time Magazine's Top 100 People in Medicine. Her story was featured on the Today show earlier this year. A link to that interview appears on this blog.

Please give serious consideration to joining our team this year. The distance is 5K and you can make it a leisurely walk or a race. Last year I was in the hospital at the time of the walk, but I am looking forward to being a part of it this year. We hope to have a tent and special T-shirts and refreshments.

And if you don't live in the Chicago area or can't make it that day, please consider making a donation. Our goal this year is $10,000. Please follow this link attached to either join the team or to donate to the foundation.

http://support.themmrf.org/goto/bobsyouruncle

Looking forward to seeing you in October. We are hoping for a beautiful autumn day in Chicago.

Progress

Lots has been happening over the past couple weeks--so much so that I just haven't had a chance to post an update until now. About 2 weeks ago I began outpatient physical therapy at a new location, Lutheran General which is closer to my house. While things are going well with my new therapist and he is trying some new treatments with me, I do miss the infectious personalities of my day rehab therapists at the Rehab Institute. And since I am now only going twice a week for an hour each, the pressure is now on me to keep exercising on my own in-between times.

My new therapist also recommended that because of my progress I get a new set of leg braces made of graphite instead of plastic. They are lighter and more flexible than my prior ones which is great. I'll also be able to wear them with any of my own shoes rather than the larger athletic shoes I had to use with the plastic braces. I'm going through a break-in period with them now, but I know how much more flexible they will be once I make the transition, especially when I tell you my next big news.

I had an appointment last week with an occupational therapist who specializes in adaptive driving systems. After some pencil and paper exercises and a vision test, she had me drive with an adaptive driving instructor for an hour and a half. Side streets, main streets, and finally the HIGHWAY! What a surprise to me! And all in my plastic braces with no adaptations! And guess what? I passed! I haven't been driving since, but I hope to practice in Michigan where the traffic is less. We'll see how it goes.

While all of this is good news the fact still remains that the neuropathy in my feet and legs has not changed much. Hopefully it will improve in the months ahead. I do need to practice patience and remind myself that just 5 months ago I was critically ill in the ICU. Thanks to the prayers and hard work of so many I have come this far. Hallelujah!