Cindy had her first exam since the surgery and everything is looking very good. They took a few x-rays and the bones are where they’re supposed to be and they were able to take off the big cast and she is now in a small wrist brace that will give her much more mobility. She is still not able to lift or touch anything with her right hand, but she can take the brace off to shower and she can now move her arm at the elbow since she only needs the sling when she goes out to walk or interact.
She needs to start intensive physical therapy twice a week starting on Monday, which means that we’ll not be able to salvage any part of the planned three weeks in Europe. While that is very disappointing, we just don’t want to do anything that might jeopardize her complete recovery. The doctor thought we were mad to even consider the trip what with the double whammy of a stress fracture in her left foot and her shattered right wrist. I’m in cancellation mode; trains, planes, hotels and car services. Gives me something to do while Cindy naps, which I make her do every afternoon. Her next appointment is in three weeks and we are hoping with the PT and her own exercise routine that she’ll be much more flexible and that the healing will have really started to take place. I’ve a couple of photos of her arm and scar that we could see for the first time once they took off the cast. It is amazing how the arm shrunk, no exercise can really do a number on the body.
Not much else to report, but all seems to be on track for a complete recover, it will just take a lot of time, much more that any of us realized. More later, William
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| Wither thou goeth |
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| ET call Home |
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| My Favorite Mummy |
Ode to Wm
I wish I were a poet, alas I am not - so here is my narrative about what is going on here in Charles Town. It’s one thing to learn to do things with my left hand that I usually do with my right hand (the wrist I broke), but it is astounding to me how many things in life require two hands. I am not even referring to the obvious things such as folding laundry or washing dishes, but rather tasks that one would think could be managed with one hand. Opening all manner of bottles, containers, and jars; dressing (try putting on socks with one hand), putting my hair into a ponytail or bun, inserting and removing contact lenses, cutting food or anything else, tying shoes, the list goes on. These are not skills that improve with practice, these are skills that are truly impossible with one hand. The only thing I have mastered - and I am so proud - is applying Chapstick. I can flip off the cap, apply the stick to my lips, and flip the cap back on with one seemingly fluid motion. <grin>
The above list might seem long but it is just a taste of the things I cannot do - and as you must have guessed, this has meant that William has had to do all of the above tasks either for me or with me every day, often multiple times per day. I am not complaining, just explaining what a (temporary) life-changer this is been for him. He has been ever so patient and has spent so much time with me. He will be the first to admit he is a bit squeamish about the contact lenses, but otherwise he is an able and willing and loving volunteer. Good thing he was already in charge of the cooking and shopping, but I actually used to do things like the dishes and laundry, and he is doing everything with nary a word of complaint.
In addition, Megan has been phenomenally supportive with her inspiration and comforting words as well as advice about meds and pain management and other details. She is wise beyond her years and I have appreciated all of her communication and encouragement so much. By the way, she is doing extremely well with maintenance, and we are all thrilled. It is true that she benefits from the best care and treatment available, but she wouldn’t be where she is without her fabulous attitude and approach to life.
As for my sorry wrist, thank goodness this is all temporary and I’m not sure who is more eager to get beyond it! In the meantime, Wm deserves high praise, very high praise. He did not want to include this in the blog, but I overruled him (how strange is that?!). Thanks for all the good wishes and lovely cards that many of you have sent. I am thrilled that I can manage email by talking into my device so I don’t feel entirely cut off.
Sending love and good wishes back to you,
Cindy
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