The rope is being lengthened...hooray!

Yesterday's visit with Saint Misbach went very well...so much so that he doesn't need to see me anymore. I think I am going through separation anxiety as a result. He was pleased with the surgical incision's healing; he took out the stitches from the sites where tubes were used to drain my chest; my blood pressure was good; my heart sounded good; however, the chest x-ray still revealed a build up of fluids so I'm still on meds for a few more weeks to deal with that. Unfortunately those are the meds that dry me out so the endless cycle of drinking lots of fluids continue. My weight is down from 156 to about 145 (which is my marathon running weight) so he wants me to begin drinking calories more than water. I suspect drinking a six-pack a night would help that!

I've also been cleared to begin my cardiac rehab program next week at Providence Hospital. I've heard it's a great program and it will give me the confidence I need to move forward. Funny thing, Saint Misbach told me that my heart is now in better shape than my body and that I really am not in a position to be able to tax my heart to an extreme. The rehab program will have the technology available to monitor my heart as I try to catch up to its level of fitness. I'm hoping to begin driving in a few more weeks which will make it easier to attend the rehab sessions. Meanwhile, friends are picking me up to walk around town and with the weather about to warm up from sub-zero to the mid-20s, I should be able to take long walks from the house.

I survived Super Bowl Sunday in a house full of Arizona Cardinal fans, as I was the only Pittsburg Steeler fan (eventhough I went to college at the U of AZ and AZ State). My buddy Mike Salyer and his wife Laurie came by with lots of goodies (I should have been able to gain 10 pounds that day) and experienced the powerful enthusiasm (understatement) of Marian and Hannah. My dog Bailey (a Welsh Springer Spaniel) didn't know what to make of it all. A family friend Evelyn and her daughter Piper came by also, but mainly to see the Boss perform at halftime...one hell of a show.

My immediate goal is to get in shape enough to participate in our annual winter festival, the Fur Rendezvous at the end of February/early March. This is especially important because my sister- and brother-in-law (Karen Lilley and David Hansen) from Minneapolis, MN are coming to visit at the same time. My buddy Neal was trying to get me to participate in the "2009 Running with the Reindeer" (the Alaska version of the Running with the Bulls) but I'm going to pass; although, running it last year's inaugural event was a blast. Last year Neal, his son Evan and I dressed up as Chefs with reindeer sausage necklaces et al.; check it out....
















I suspect Marian and I may not be posting much over the next few days, as things really are falling into place and each day I get stronger. My first post-surgery visit with Dr. Ireland (cardiac specialist) isn't until 2/17 so no more medical news until then. Friends continue to provide support on a daily basis with phone calls, visits, meals, etc. which is greatly appreciated. Marian and Hannah are both Wonder Women and somehow get through the day doing what they need to do and still have smiles on their faces. I have a great deal to learn from them.

Thanks again for your well wishes and prayers...they continue to mean a great deal!

Wayne