Update #114 from Linda and Rob

No excuses, we blew it, but "better late than never" ...Right?
The weeks just fly by and then you look at the calendar and another 6 have expired.

First of all , Steve and family want to wish all of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season, and Thank You for your continual positive thoughts and prayers.

Steve's schedule has finally been decided and it is nice to get into a routine again. Steve swims on Mondays, goes to the gym and has a massage on Tuesday, to therapy on Wednesday and Friday, plays tennis with Jennie on Thursday at the gym and does horseback riding on Saturday. We also try to do another gym workout on Sundays and Beth works on the recumbent bike with him three nights each week............Then we take a long breath and do it again next week!

While his balance and walking are progressing, albeit slowly, what is really getting better is his voice and swallowing. It wasn't long ago that eliciting a response to ending a sentence would have taken 2 minutes. Now it is almost instantaneous. Spontaneous speech comes more frequently now. Steve also coughs much more, but we and therapists feel that sensation must be returning to his throat area and the cough is a response to food going down the wrong pipe so to speak. It is also more the norm to carry on a conversation as he is lying back in his bed before going to sleep.
A couple of nights ago Steve relayed a long story about things that happened on a trip to Madison WI. He was laughing out loud and said it was one of the funniest nights of his life. Thor, why do they call it Potato Ole'? We also commented on the number of socks he owns, as we have bought many in order to find the perfect fit. He said, "Like I always say, when I get through this at least I'll have a cool wardrobe!"

The time between "good" days seems to be getting shorter, but Steve's weight is making walking and standing harder to do. It is hard to believe that Steve has gained 50 pounds since his discharge form the hospital. We are analyzing his eating, but really believe lack of walking is a major factor in this. Hopefully we can get our hands on an appropriate walker and get him moving more. We also plan to put up hand rails in a long hallway in our house so that he can walk in that way. Beth has stepped up the pace on the bike, and also plans to do Pilates with him, even though he might think it's too "girlie."

Another good thing is we are almost through using the feeding tube. Steve can handle Gatorade and water and other thin liquids, and is chewing his remaining medication. We will schedule another swallow study after the first of the year.

We bought a Christmas card the other day that we think says something about each of you...
"It's a time to slow down, let go, help those who need it, love them, too...and maybe that's the way we find our peace and joy. Not by taking on the whole world all at once, but just the part that fits in our hand."

Thanks for fitting Steve in your hand. Merry Christmas!

Love,

Rob and Linda