Improvement Every Day

Wow, it is amazing to me that every day I need to write something on the blog because what I wrote the day before is already old news! What a wonderful feeling. Today, at Bob's last PT session of the day, he walked 200 feet!!! He had to stop two times and rest a bit but the good thing is his heart rate and saturated oxygen number have improved so much each day. He really is getting stronger. The body is an incredible machine. Today we also went to a harp/meditation program presented by one of the nurses. A very relaxing way for Bob and me to spend a half hour. The music was especially beautiful and the relaxation techniques, helpful.

Bob has had some difficulty with pain control but today, with some new medication, the pain seemed to be better. Maybe that is why he did so well in physical therapy. I'm sure we all move better when we aren't in pain.

Walking 40 Feet

Bob had PT early this morning and he was able to walk with his braces and the walker forty feet! What an accomplishment! We also practiced different transfers so now when I am there, he doesn't have to depend on his PCT to help him move from his wheelchair. I'm taking a family leave until Easter so I am able to be with Bob everyday. I'm most interested in watching his physical therapy and helping whenever there is a need. Yesterday we were able to take advantage of a pet therapy program and today there was music therapy and art therapy. Bob is pretty tired after his scheduled therapies but it was fun to go see the dogs and hear the medical personnel from the hospital provide the music. A little change of pace and a very satisfying day!

Braces

The braces have arrived. Bob was able to walk a dozen steps with them today. His legs and feet are very painful but he was able to walk better with the braces which start below his knee and go into his shoe. They give him the support which is necessary for him to be able to practice walking.

Today was a very emotional day. Being unable to walk is very scary for Bob and me. He is not afraid of hard work but he is worrying about how long it will take to get back to walking without all of these devices. The nerves in his legs and feet just need to start responding. We ask all of our friends for their continued prayers. We know how good God has been to us and I know He will continue walking next to Bob as he learns how to walk.

Learning About PT

It has been great watching Bob in therapy the last two days. He really is making great progress. They are making braces for his legs that should be ready tomorrow but today they just used his gym shoes and a borrowed brace on one leg and he was able to tell that when he has his own braces, he will have more strength in his legs and feet to help with walking. He walked about twelve steps with the help of the parallel bars and with his therapist, he was able to walk about 7 feet with a walker. I followed close behind with the wheelchair.

Bob really wants to learn how to transfer from his wheelchair to his bed and from his bed to his wheelchair. His therapist showed me how I could help him and we did such a fine job that she wants to video tape us for one of her presentations! He also wants to learn other transfers so he doesn't always have to call his nurse so tomorrow we will work on some other transfers. I'm so happy to help and be apart of Bob's therapy. I'm an extra pair of hands and his therapist is eager to have me involved.

Please continue to pray for strength in Bob's legs, ankles and feet. He so wants to walk on the beach in Michigan this summer.

First Day of Therapy

Monday finally came and Bob was ready. He had a good nights sleep and he felt stronger. During physical therapy he worked on standing and taking a few steps. His physical therapist decided he needed a brace for each leg that would start just below the knee for support and go all the way down the ankle and into his shoe. The braces will be made to fit Bob's legs and should be ready to go by Wednesday. I'll bring his shoes tomorrow. The therapist feels that this will give Bob the support that he needs for standing and walking. He also worked his legs on a machine that was similar to a bicycle. I took a video to record his activities and later to show him his progress. He had occupational therapy and an x-ray of his back too. He sat in his wheelchair all day and gladly ate each meal. In the evening they helped him with his first shower since the beginning of February. What a great feeling! Now he is watching the Butler/UConn game and hoping for a Butler win. With a busy day like today, he should have a good nights sleep.

Bob requested today that everyone pray for strength and healing of his legs, ankles and feet. He so wants to be able to stand and walk again. I feel confident that he will. I'm sure this is all apart of God's plan.

Sunday

Spent a relaxing day watching the Cubs, (too bad they didn't win!) doing a crossword puzzle and visiting with friends. Bob is experiencing a little independence again like brushing his own teeth and washing up. He is getting better at maneuvering his wheelchair and keeps his positive, upbeat attitude. He is wondering what tomorrow will bring. :)

Wheels

The best part about today was that Bob was given a wheelchair and he was able to get close to the windows and see his lake view. He also got out of his room for the first time in six weeks! He was so happy to have a tour of the new facilities. Progress! Evaluations were completed and next week they will decide Bob's therapy schedule and give him a tentative date for his return home. Bob was feeling more relaxed when I left this evening and looking forward to Monday morning.

Next Stop HOME!

Bob was transferred to RIC today. (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) This is hopefully his last stop before he comes home. His goals are to be able to stand independently and walk! At this time he has no feeling in his feet and the muscles in his ankles are very week. This could have been caused by the 5 weeks in ICU, weight loss, (he lost 40 pounds but has gained back 7!) or it might be a neuropothy from the chemo. The doctors feel pretty confident that Bob will achieve his goals. Tomorrow he will start his therapy with four hours of evaluation. Each day he will be spending most of his time out of bed and will even be able to sit in a wheel chair and get out of his room! He really is a happy camper. After a week they told him he might even be able to have a 3 hour pass and go outside for a bit. Bob hasn't been outside since January 31.

Please pray for Bob's strength to continue to grow and stamina for this intense rehab. He is a little nervous. I know God is by his side every minute of the day and before we know it, Bob will be coming home. We both can't wait!