Update 11/20/2007: Buzz' surgery was 07/19/2007..my how time flies when you're having fun!
Buzz is regaining his strength very slowly. Yesterday, he began physical therapy in hopes of strengthening the atrophied muscles in/around his right shoulder, which has 'dropped' significantly.
On Monday, we see a surgeon who will repair the large hernia that developed at the incision site where the donor femur bone was removed.
On Tuesday, we'll spend the day at the VAMC so that Buzz can get a replacement hearing aide, having lost the original back in July.
Wednesday, back to Hemotology Oncologist for follow up, THEN to E.R. for PEG tube removal! Back to PTherapy on Thurs. & Fri.
The following week, it's the Radiation Oncologist, and f/u with Baptist Hospital, and HOPEFULLY hernia repair the next day.
Buzz is eating/drinking well; sleeping well with help of Ambien; only takes pain med on occasion, especially following home exercises.
The right jaw still has swelling, but the scars from neck disection are hardly noticable!
The 'fungus' Buzz had suffered from since the Korean War has finally miraculously disappeared, thanks to the CHEMO, and his fingernails/toenails are really beautiful!
He still has only a few hairs on his face, but the little hair he lost from his head is coming back in nicely.
Dry mouth is controlled with BIO-TENE products (THANK YOU, GUYS for all the wonderful samples!!)
A humidifier helps to keep the air moist for him.
YES, I BRAG on Buzz!! He will be 77 in just a couple of weeks. I fully believe that his positive ATTITUDE has contributed to his recovery, in addition to the prayers of our families and friends.
MY personal goal for him will be fulfilled, as he begins to prepare for his annual Thanksgiving family feast, which he proudly hosts each year.
This journey has not been an easy one, and I know we have a way to go yet, but I want to encourage everyone who reads this post to try to think positive thoughts, and NEVER give up!
I just wish I could e-mail Petey and share all the good news with him!
Wishing a bountiful Thanksgiving to ALL and the Lord's blessings upon all of you and your families!
Lois & Buzz in NC
