It’s been more than a month since my last update!  To recap, a PET scan showed that the primary tumor in my lung has shrunk a lot and the secondary tumor on my rib is essentially gone. While it seems to me like progress since then is more gradual than I’d like, I definitely see some nice milestones as I look back on the month. While I’m done with radiation and chemo, I’m still getting immunotherapy infusions.

First, I was able to quit taking my last opioid medications a few weeks ago!  This granted me the wonderful freedom of being able to drive again!  My first solo trip was to grab a carne asada burrito with some friends.  I’ve really enjoyed being able to drive myself around again (not too far!), and Kathy has enjoyed a little time to herself at home!

I’m continuing with my physical therapy.  My posture is much better, and I’m not so hunchy anymore.  A lingering issue is that the muscles of my right lower torso are still quite grumpy.  My PT thinks it’s because they are trying to stabilize my rib cage because of the broken rib.  While my muscles are loosening up and I’m making progress, I won’t be totally back to normal until my rib completely heals.  My oncologist thinks the remaining pieces are about a centimeter or 2 from each other now, so it will still be a while before they come together completely.  It’s still a challenge to pick up something off the floor, or to pick up something heavy. 

My lung capacity is not back to normal, but I have made big progress.  We go for a walk in our neighborhood almost every day.  When we first started, I could only make it about 25 yards before I had to come back.  Just yesterday, we walked our pre-cancer route, which is 2 miles, with 2 uphill sections.  I have to take it slow sometimes, but it’s very nice to know I can go that far.  When I return to work, I’ll need to be able to walk quickly around airports to travel again!

That’s all for now.  I may not send out another update until after my next PET scan, which will be late March.

Keep praying for better lung capacity, that my rib would heal quickly, and that my torso muscles would settle down.

Don’t fear, but be smart!
Erik

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