85 Percent

People have been asking me about my health. I give the same answer to each person, "I'm getting better every day. I'm about 85% back to normal." I would wonder what that meant if someone told me that. Here is how I arrived at 85%.

My stamina is not all there. For example, I took the bus downtown today for work. I walked from the Charles Street Metro Station to the office on Pratt Street (about 3 blocks) and used the stairs part of the time. My leg muscles ache -- I never had that problem before. I was hanging pictures and things in the bedroom last weekend and I had to take a rest after a couple of hours. I climbed the ladder (many times) to remove ice from our gutters a couple of weekends ago. I got sore from that. I need to face the fact that I'm not in shape (yet).

My colon is almost back to normal, but it still rules the roost every once in a while. It has greatly improved over the "discomfort" I felt during the chemo and radiation (85%?), but it is not operating at 100% predictability (yet).

I am playing guitar again and singing (my voice is about... you guessed it). I can stand and play for an hour or so, but need to sit down after that. I haven't taken up the trumpet again (yet).

By March 22, I'm sure I will be 100% back in shape -- just in time for the operation on 3/23.


BTW -- Dorothy is doing okay. She still struggles through the chemo weeks, but it seems to be a predictable struggle. Not fun, but not full of surprises either. Keep sending good vibrations.