RECOVERY - Week 4, Wednesday 04/04

I apologize to the regular readers for skipping a few days.  Peter thought he would write on Sunday, but didn't, and I kept thinking he would, so I didn't.  Monday was a downer, and I didn't feel like reporting anything.

I have managed to keep writing my newspaper column through this...here is Sunday's:  http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/18059738/article-Learning-to-say--yes--to-help

The days are passing in the step forward, step back routine, sometimes 2-1 and sometimes it feels like 1-2.  Mostly the former, though.  From the long view Peter is doing exceptionally well, but that doesn't make the day-to-day any easier.  The countdown to April 10th is getting shorter.  We're hoping for a tube removal (tube count down to 0), or at least with it being only supplemental.  They'll check his voice and do a swallow study that morning, followed by an appointment with the surgical team that afternoon.

The tube removal will mean Peter can swim again, which will signal real recovery for him.  They'd said that somewhere around 6 weeks you start to feel somewhat normal, and at 6-8 month you'll suddenly realize you're yourself again. 

Peter has been out to the Depot in Hillsborough twice, and for a quick trip to the mall once.  Visitors are welcome now, but do be prepared to do all the talking, and to discourage Peter from using his voice.  It came back for one sentence yesterday, then left again.  That little bit is encouraging.

On Saturday, Peter's birthday, a crew from the Schley Grange came to mow again. Kim Greer, Billy Latta, and Don Blake really put the place in great shape in short order.  

L to R - Kim Greer, Billy Latta, Don Blake

L to R - Billy Latta, Kim Greer, Don Blake

That morning Rodger Tygard stopped by with some home-grown corn from his freezer for me, and a piece of framed art for Peter.  I cooked the corn with some lima beans, and Peter had me freeze some for when he can eat.

Corn still frozen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Original art

Janet Stolp came out with an iPod touch (complete with music).  Mary Anne Handy sent balloons, and Peter got tons of other gifts, flowers, cards and calls.  Thanks to everyone.

I've been able to get outside more myself...have taken a couple of horseback riding lessons, been reconditioning some of the pastures, tilled a little, and yesterday I took my bike out for the first time this season in preparation for a May 20th Triathlon (my first).  It is a baby one (2, 10, 225), but plenty of challenge for me. 

Being out of the office, I am aware how much more I move here on the farm than I do at work.  There always seems to be something that needs doing!