Substitute PT

I'll be seeing the physical therapist twice weekly, and I met with 

Paul for my 1st official session.  Ill be working with him and Jeremy since we have so many appointments.

It's nice to use equipment again, although maybe I should sandbag with Paul so he doesn't kick my butt too hard (no point in sandbagging though) today I broke my first exercise sweat (very light) since January.  After these 2 are done with me, I get 3 months free membership to the SamFit gym the hospital opened.  That will be interesting and hopefully I'll be able to use it!

I go in for occupational therapy with Amy tomorrow and then to Portland for my 2nd infusion of Yervoy.  It's a big deal for the Yervoy to have an impact and I expect it to.  

Big hugs to everyone keeping up with my adventure via the blog.  I really appreciate seeing when it's read.  Ki thinks I'm weird to look at the analytical info google provides, but as a former analyst and such, how can I not?  Don't worry, I'm not doing any comparisons and pivot tables (loved those!) to adjust for greater readership...no excel access on my iPad.  My control- key shortcut mastery days appear to be behind me.  But check this link out if you need help... I knew better ones, but oh we'll right?

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/excel-shortcut-and-function-keys-HP010073848.aspx

New physical therapist

So my initial evaluation with my new physical therapist went very well.  After we were done he said I wasn't a fall risk.  Very nice to hear - now I just have to be careful.

I might graduate from a walker to a cane which would be interesting, but with the plan to walk normally  again.  Maybe I'll get a cool Star Wars cane.  

Today on twitter someone posted how excited they were to hear John Williams was going to do the soundtrack for the coming movies.  I had to reply wondering if we'd hear more of Holst's The Planets (Mars and Jupiter were in the first movies for sure...). I was so sad to hear The Planets as a teenager after thinking the Star Wars soundtrack was so great.  I may have to apologize for bringing that up later, as I don't want to bring someone down, but if you've never heard Mars an Jupiter, you'll hear it super quickly by checking it out.  It was likely not on purpose, but it happens.

I'm looking fwd to attending my good friends Daniel an Greg's commitment ceremony in August.  They played a key roll helping me move and get to and from the hospital earlier this year in Medford.  Between them and my great friend Steve, I'm missing the gang down south.  I could list a few others I miss, but getting me to the ER was really key over two days, when my cancer popped up in my head.

Some pics

Ki and I

Some in Glacier Bay

Cruise to Alaska

This week Ki, my mom, sister and I took a week long cruise from Seattle to Alaska on Holland America's Westerdam ship.  As my mobility is still limited, I've been using the walker to get around and walking around the cabin somewhat free- form.  I've gone way further with the walker each day than any day prior, and hoping the extra exercise helps.

Bfast day 1 - room service tip, the omelet was not good (no cheese at all), and the turkey sausage looked a LOT like mummy fingers - good coffee though.  We suspect it was Gevalia.

The Juneau valley was insanely pretty.  We got off the boat and went up the tram for lunch and the view.  Way great view of the northern lakes from there.  And very unique and tasty Fish n Chips with Salmon.

Bfast day 2 - bet some folks complained, as there was actually cheese on the eggs and the rest waks about 40% better.  We went to Glacier Bay and saw some massive ice fall a few times, also we saw whales from afar blow water out their blow wholes.

Bfast day 3 - better again, maybe different cook?  

Our ship went to Sitka, Ki and I remained in our big cabin (free gimp upgrade), and mom and Liz went to shore riding a very uncomfortable emergency boat.  This is the only place on our tour the boat didn't dock ashore.  The world's best acoustic guitar top may come from Sitka spruce wood, but aside from a very pretty valley, and a surprising number of inhabited islands, cost of living is a bit high $6 for a gallon of milk etc.

Bfast day 4 - as we stayed on ship we went to the buffet and experienced the lack of manners that seem to be the hallmark of roughly half the passengers.  Food gets a meh.

We stopped at Ketchikan the next day, which is the oldest city in Alaska.  It had some neat totems, the only used-to-be red light district houses were on poles down a canal (cool looking houses) and Ki and I took a duck tour on an amphibious craft that looked more like a bucket than a duck.  It was fun and not too long, and I climbed the ladder to get on board with out a problem.

Bfast day 5 - cereal, coffee and fruit.  Before disembarkation.  

I won't go into details, but people who contract to pick you up at a cruise ship need to answer their phones...

Ki and I had a lovely time and I'm pretty sure mom and Liz did too.  I have a t-shirt  that says bears love people with a cartoon bear jumping to eat someone.  Very funny.

My walking appears to be improving, but my endurance still needs some big improvement.  I'm worried my original tumor may be returning, but we'll see about that.

Cleo the cat is thrilled to have us home rather than various caretakers.  But we were lucky to have help with her.  She's such a sweet girl.

That's the basics - I'll post some pics soon. i actually smiled in some of them.

Sorta Walked

I'm kinda excited cause after washing up for bed last night I  just picked up the super lightweight walker at the sink and carried it to the bed side rather than rolling it last night.  I kept it in front in case I needed to support myself with it as I irresponsibly fell forward.  But I made it fine.  What I really need now is stamina, so I don't tire too quickly.  And don't worry, I'm not going to be reckless, no running or dancing...

As the temp has gone from 69 to 94 ( today) were not walking outside right now as I'm a convincing wuss about what I can do.  I have my first date with a physical therapy clinic tomorrow.  It'll be quite telling to see what they can get out of me.  I'm gonna try my best, but no passing out allowed.

I saw on Facebook a celebration of my friend Les Krambeal's life (he recently passed from cancer), and I have to say I was moved to remember so many of the fun conversations we'd had over the years.  I want to send love to his partner Gordon Owsley and those who celebrated Les.  I know Les lived a full and fun life.  Les and Gordon were amazingly generous in providing get togethers back at their home in Ashland.  I miss those times.

Speaking of fun, my sister found an Alaskan cruise, which she, my mother, Ki and I are going on at the end of next week.  Hopefully I won't lose my balance and go swimming.  My father always wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise, so this is a bit of an homage to him.  I have a week and a half to build up stamina, so I plan to get my daily exercise back up.  The kitty needs to get out of the way though...

If I haven't managed to keep in touch, please know I'm thinking about you, and I'm trying to not identify with the sr citizens on the multitude of scare the medically needy elderly commercials that are all over the television these days.

Don't tell my sister... But we would have rather gone on the cruise later in the year with the drag queens from Rupaul's Drag Race.  I'm kidding sorta... 

Here's a shot of Liz and I from years gone by...