Hello Everyone, It's been a fast week. I think it feels like 2 days, but it's been 7. Not exactly sure what Mike feels about it but we do know we are getting into a bit of a routine.
Things are getting easier. We even had a wonderful kid named Nick come over and rake the leaves up again and a neighbor who unplugged the rain gutters. So much for me getting all the garbage out to the road on time... I know, I know, the night before is a good idea.
I celebrated my 53rd birthday a few nights ago and Mike's Dad, Daughter Madison and BF Zach joined in for a family pic.
Panoramic shot of the entire room. Fun evening & it was great to celebrate w/ family at home.
Birthday hugs!
So the big question is:
How is Mike doing and how is the "FOOT" doing? Here' a photo of the latest progress of the flap and how things are looking.
The Left side-
Believe it or not - things look OK and are healing up just fine.
The Right side -
Yes things look BIG and BULKY and they are, but we are hoping all of this will calm down and shrink to a much more manageable size.
The Bottom of his foot. Yes, once again it all looks just fine.
Really? We are working with it. (wound changes)
FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT! :-)
On a Sunny October afternoon we headed out to Carlton to Cana's Feast Winery to pick up a much overdue club shipment. Needless to say, we picked up the 2 bottles and canceled the membership. Not much need for it now, but we will miss heading out there. The views are spectacular.
We had our one week post-hospital appointment with Dr. Gellman today. He had an Intern with him today and between the two of them they tweaked the struts and worked their magic. We return in 2 more weeks.
Dr. Gellman said he thinks the Frame will remain on for 2-3 more months. The healing process feels like a forever process! Patients is key!
Working their magic!
Bones are healing!
Some of the struts had to be replaced, tightened and adjusted - we are good for 2 more weeks of tweaking!
Just Craig popped into the appointment and put some Silver Nitrate on Mike's open wound that the skin graft never took to. It should turn black and finally begin to start healing.
It was good to see Just Craig. He liked how things were looking. However.... It is super important for Mike to get his foot UP above his heart and KEEP it there for a big part of the day! This will aid in the healing / swelling of the foot. We aren't that excited about the way it looks, but we are optimistic about the future. The bottom line is - the foot is THERE and that is reason to celebrate.
Tonight Mike's friends Serge, Clay and Rich came over for dinner, vino and some much needed reminiscing. Earlier in the day John Ralston and his wife (I wasn't here so I don't know her name and a certain someone struggles with names, but I won't mention who) came by too.
Mike has had some busy days - this is a good thing, but we do need to focus on keeping his foot up and resting. Also into the mix of the day is stretching and strengthening exercises. Doing the stairs and even the shower routine today seemed easier. We can only hope.
We appreciate and love everyone out there for all the support and warm thoughts that keep coming our way. Counting our blessings everyday! That's what keeps us going...
Love and hugs, S&M from Summer Lake
PS - the updates won't be quite as often - but know that you are thought of very often and we would love to see you and hear from you!
IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A COMMENT: (and Mike really wants you to)
Click on the word comment below.
Click on the drop-down and choose an option.
Anonymous works well if you don't have a google account.
Leave a comment in the box and be sure to sign your name so we know who you are.
Hey this is Ammon. It sure is good to see you upright even if it is with crutches. I don't even think thats the same foot. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great Mike! We're so thrilled to see you up & about!
ReplyDeleteBut do keep that special foot UP as much as you can! (Sherry can give out the treats this Halloween) ;-) All Our Best, Dick & Shari