Good Week, But Still Weak

The past week has been both good and bad for Chris. She has been walking more and more and yesterday walked a portion of her old daily route at the state park with the dog and me. This was probably about 2 miles with some very steep hills and difficult paths, but she was very glad to get off the high school track and get back into the woods. This also allows the dog to do her daily swim and get some exercise chasing squirrels.

Chris' weight is at a standstill however. She was 103 yesterday and this is very surprising as she really has been eating very well (or so it appears). She has lost the nausea she had over the previous week and generally is feeling better, although frustrated at the lack of weight gain. This and her lack of strength are very frustrating to her. Yesterday she was unable to husk an ear of corn, and this really gave her an indication as to how weak she is. She will pick up a regular routine with the physical therapist this week and is hoping to get permission to go back to yoga class (with an understanding that she uses her own mat, wipes down everything, etc). I think this will help her out a great deal, just getting out and making progress on rebuilding her strength. One objective she has for this week is to start driving again. She has not driven since May and is concerned she does not "have it all together" yet to start driving. In my opinion she is ready and able, so I think it is more of a confidence thing than any other concern.

The past week was a tough one emotionally for Chris. With Abby going to school as a freshman and Melissa starting classes in Burlington, she really wanted to be there for both of them. She kept saying "what kind of Mom doesn't see their freshman off to college", but we all knew that the move required alot of walking, carrying, set up, etc and the focus needed to be on Abby. This was really tough on Chris, but it was in fact a very long day and we made the right decision. We will go visit both daughters as soon as we possibly can, while also taking Stephen on more college visits.

We see Chris' primary physician this week and are looking for more positive signs from the blood work and hopefully some reductions in her medications.

So overall Chris is getting stronger and feeling better. She still has bouts of much sadness and frustration, but she is anxious to get back into a normal pattern. The kids have been fantastic and the friends and neighbors just continue to help out so much with driving, walks, dinners, etc. These offers help Chris to focus on herself, get stronger, and at the same time stay socially involved. My hope is that by the end of September (the 28th to be exact), she will be totally self sufficient, able to drive, workout, run the house, etc. This will have only been possible with the incredible help of others. In fact, she told me the other day she can't wait to give back to others who could benefit from her help. This is a real sign of progress I think. Thanks to all of you.