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This week, I have been focused on finishing one of my enjoyable reading challenges. It’s a great feeling to meet a challenge one sets for oneself! However, it’s another level of good feeling to meet a major challenge that Life throws at you. In the last month, my husband has been faced with another major physical and mental challenge related to his Stage IV metastasized cancer.
One month ago, he finished the radiation treatment he underwent to hopefully lessen the pain in his hip caused by the bone metastasis there. He walked into the five-day treatment on the first day, unaided but limping from his sore hip. Unfortunately, by the end of the five days, he was suffering from a not-so-common side effect from the treatment called a “pain flare, ” which is an inflammation of the lining of the bone due to the radiation. And it is extremely painful. So for his final treatment, I had to wheel him into the building in a wheel chair.
The inflammation was treated, the pain has slowly lessened throughout the month, and Byron has worked hard to regain his mobility. Truly a challenge! But he has embraced each step in this process, which started with the arrival of a cane we ordered on the day after that final treatment because he could not walk unsupported. A few days later, a simple walker was delivered to our porch, a surprise ordered by his primary care physician! He was delighted with it because he was much steadier getting around the house and could now do some limited walking outdoors. After a week with that more limited walker, we went shopping for his “off road walker,” as he calls it. And he was thrilled with the new walker we found!
So now, he does laps around the house with his fancy walker. We load it in the car and walk the sidewalks around the campus here in this university town. And the more he walks, the better he feels, even though energy and endurance are limited. It was not the kind of month we expected, but I am so proud of the way my husband faced the pain and the setback, and embraced the challenge to return to better mobility, one level at a time.
A Fondness For Reading 
Thinking/caring about both of you through this oh-so difficult time, Robin.
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Thank you so much, Andi. Hugs!
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He seems to be embracing your word of the year and finding ways to cherish each day in ways that are completely unexpected! What an excellent primary care doctor you have–treating body and mind! Enjoy this beautiful time of year in your own ways and at his pace!
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Thank you, Marlo. That is so true about cherishing each day in ways completely unexpected! We realize that we are so fortunate to have these days, and also to have really caring medical support, and to be surrounded by loving family and friends. So much to be grateful for!
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So happy you both seem committed to embracing those small victories. Glad your husband is better able to get around and enjoy some sunshine.
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Thank you, Diane. It’s really about embracing Life for us. And after days of pain, it really is a victory to be able to walk outside in beauty! I have to celebrate his courage.
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Robin, what an accomplishment for him! I know that it’s been hard for both of you to deal with all this, but let me say how much I admire your attitudes and determination. It’s inspiring indeed! That ‘fancy’ walker is great and aren’t we glad that such things exist these days? Take care, both of you, and always remember that I am thinking of you, praying for you, caring…
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Thank you so much, Kay. Yes, we are so grateful for all the help that is available these days. I think of my grandmother who had a bad hip. This nice walker would have made such a huge difference in her life. Thank you, too, for your caring thoughts and for keeping us in your prayers. They are deeply appreciated.
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I’m so sorry Byron experienced so much pain in his hip, but am glad he is back up and walking with determination. His off-road walker is very similar to my mom’s and I’m sure the seat is handy, if he gets worn out and needs a place to sit down for a few minutes. Sending big hugs to both of you. xoxo
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Thank you, Les. We didn’t expect the pain flare and were shocked by how debilitating it was. A month later now, and we think we are starting to see the positive benefits of the radiation treatment now that the inflammation is healing. We are working on our patience.😊
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sending all my best wishes to you both, it’s just one day at a time isn’t it? Be sure to send the photo of him skipping!
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Ha! Thank you, Jane. A skipping photo would be great…but he would be thrilled if he could get back outside on his bike! We will definitely post a photo of either as a celebration!
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Robin so glad to hear your husband is doing better with his mobility. I’m so sorry he’s having to deal with this. I hope you are having beautiful weather this fall so you can enjoy more walks together to get his strength and enjoy the moments!
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Thank you, Iliana. We’ve had some rain recently, but are still able to go for our walks between storms. They make such a difference!
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