But in other parts of the system, Lynn's having to fire on all cylinders to get the body back in running order.
First - getting his breath back. The docs say that will take about 3-6 months. Walking helps, and Lynn's been terrific at getting a mile walk in regularly.
Second is getting his muscles back to strength. Going from months of inactivity and the assault (chemo and radiation) on body tissues does not make for a long distance bicyclist. Lynn's been left with alot of back pain, leg pain and weakness in his right arm and hand. And no one is quite sure yet why some of this pain has settled in....so they sent us off to the OHSU Pain Clinic last week to try to get some answers. Thorough doctors there! They had Lynn turn this way and that; walk heel to toe, on his toes, on his heels, and then jabbed in odd places with safety pins and other handy implements. The team determined that a next step would be some different pain medications and a procedure to disentangle a nerve and muscle from the pelvis that may be creating this leg pain - a kind of sciatica. And they ordered another few tests and a referral to another few specialists.
We're hopeful the new drugs and the procedure will alleviate the pain and allow for more recovery of muscle strength. Despite all these challenges, Lynn's still helping with the AARP tax preparation and squiring Deborah to arts events and work appointments. We're looking forward to a visit next week from Fabio Kuettel, the Swiss exchange student who lived with us for his senior year at Austin High. And we're excited about attending a wedding in Austin in early April. Emily Butler is marrying Griff Bell at the Zilker Clubhouse, providing us a great excuse to see old haunts and good friends.
 |
| Joyce Edward (Deborah's Mom), Lynn, and Swiss exchange student Fabio Kuettel at Lynn's 60th Birthday....That's Gordon Cooper, Marta's husband, in the background. |
Jess and Nicole's wedding is also around the corner in April....a small event in Palm Springs, where Nicole's family lives. We'll travel there and stay an extra few days to explore Joshua Tree National Park.Happy St. Paddy's Day, and top o' the morning to you!
