Moving Forward

Yesterday was my first session of physical therapy outside of the hospital. Dr. Joyce recommended me to go to physical therapy for a few times in these few days before I begin chemo again on Monday...taking advantage of the good days...


My mom and I went and she graciously stayed for the whole appointment which was really nice. We began by explaining my surgery and how I am feeling. Then, Melissa (my physical therapist), asked "What would you like to get out of this?" and my immediate response while choking out a few tears was, "I want to be normal again. I want to be normal and feel normal. Most of all, I would like to be able to cheer again." I then explained my background at Saint Louis University as a Saintsation and she told me her brother just graduated this May from the 6 year Physical Therapy program at SLU! Small world huh? My best friend Alex is in that program too...that will be you in 5 more years babycakes! The best news I've heard in awhile followed after our little chat about SLU. "You are going to be perfectly normal once this is over. It may take a little longer because you will be going through chemo, but you will be able to cheer again." MY HEART EXPLODED! I was so excited! It would be my dream to be a part of the Saintsations in any way I could, but to hear I could stunt and sit indian style on the sidelines and cheer just made my day! I was so excited!


By the time I come back to school in January of 2013 for the spring semester, I WILL be cheering again. That is my goal. It's going to take some hard work, but I believe if you can put your mind to it, you can do anything.


After the talk, we went out to a table where Melissa evaluated my muscle mass, my range of motion capabilities, all these tests, on both legs to see where I am at and what (retrospectively) I would like to be at when I'm done (my "better leg"). Melissa, my mom, and I were absolutely amazed at how strong my new leg was. I was doing exercises in that evaluation I never thought I could do. But somehow, I was doing them and I am only slightly behind my "normal" leg in a few areas. None of us were expecting that at all. We thought I was going to be starting at ground zero. So crazy. After that was all finished, Melissa gave me some exercises to take home and I iced for a few minutes. When we got home I fell asleep for a few hours (apparently I was wiped out?). Overall, it was great to hear all the encouraging news. I am headed back today in a few hours for another session and I am scheduled for another session Monday morning before I head to the hospital for chemo. 


Moving forward, getting through all this is exactly what I need. The light at the end of the tunnel is visible and I can see what the end result will be, and I couldn't be more excited.


P.S. Check out the background...changed it in honor of Mackenzie headed to Italy in 2 days with her Latin class! Can't believe I was on that trip 2 years ago...So excited for you Kenz!