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Monday, June 20, 2011

220 Days Post Transplant and Loving It

Haven't posted in a while.  Been busy with work and life.  My recovery continues and I am feeling good.  At the time of my last post, I was working 6 hours a day from home.  I am now up to 40 hours a week working from home.  It feels great to be using my brain again!  Paychecks are cool too!  If all goes well, I may begin working a few days a week from the office as early as next month.

My chiropractor has asked me to stop running until he can get me straightened out.  I was up to running a full 5K.  I was extremely sore though and getting bad migrane headaches.  He has been working on me over the past month and I have noticed a huge improvement in my posture, less headaches and less overall body aches.

I am eating pretty much everything I was before transplant, but just can't seem to gain any weight.  After the chiropractor finishes up this routine, I am going to hit the weights and protein and work on building some muscle back.  That is the kind of weight I am looking for.

Also over the last month, I attended my 20 year high school reunion.  It was great to see friends that I have not seen in years.  It is funny how easy it is to talk to friends you have not seen in years.  It is like there is a connection there that can never be broken.  It is priceless and I  had one of the best times I have had in years!

My Dad is still battling his cancer.  This fathers day was particularly tough for me.  His spirits are still up, but it is extremely tough for me to be around him.  My Mom is doing her best to be a caregiver, but she is not equipped to mentally and physically handle all the details.  My sister Rhonda has stepped to the plate and I cannot express how much that means to Crystal and I.  I am not dealing with this phase of my parents life very well at all.

I want to thank again my wife Crystal for being there for me over the last year.  I realize how hard it has been on her as the caregiver and basically being a single parent.  She had a lot of help , but it definitely took its toll.  Coming out this side of the process, it has strengthened our relationship 10 fold, but it takes it's toll.  I love ya hun!

The role of caregiver is a thankless job that no ones signs up for.  If you know a caregiver, treat them to a night off.  They deserve it and they will appreciate it.

4 comments:

Arlene said...

You are an amazing and wise man and I am so proud to call you my nephew.

Love and hugs
Autnie 'Lene

Kirsten said...

Chad - so happy to hear you are doing so well! Looking forward to seeing you back at PWD!
-Kirsten

SonyaRose said...

What an awesome post Chad! You and Crystal have been through HELL and you've showed us all what commitment, love and family dedication looks like. We have so much love and respect for both of you!
Sorry about your parents. It's just so hard and it comes at such a vulnerable time for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family Chad!
Thanks so much for taking the time to post!

Anonymous said...

Great news Chad! Those paychecks do come in handy don't they?!?! Glad to read that you're feeling well, hope to see you back in the office soon! Good luck on your father's fight w/ cancer. You've set a great example for him & others out there fighting the fight. Take care!

K Luce/PWD