Getting better

I've been home now for a glorious 11 days now, and am making gradual progress on the "getting better" front. I can walk to the end of the block and back now on JP's arm, and eat all my meals at the table (or outside when the weather is nice). Miriam bought me several loose dresses that are easy to put on and that cover my nephrostomy packs - they are comfortable enough to sleep in, so that during the day I am always ready for visits.

We have rented a hospital bed that is snugged up to the front bay window, from which I can see into the garden, and even watch the traffic if I get really bored. A few days ago I felt focused enough to begin reading again, and I have devoured "The Lacuna" by Barbara Kingsolver and am racing through "Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger - both very different, but excellent books. I am trying to sort out my email and Facebook messages, an hour or so each day, but the task seems so daunting that I fear that for most people I'll just have to hope that they are reading my blog to keep up with my progress. JP, Eric and I play Quiddler most days, and I can just about stay up for one game. I can also manage to watch a movie at night before going to bed. I sleep long and restful nights and hope that before long my gut will sort itself out. I am meant to start chemo again next Wednesday, but have an appointment on Monday with my oncologist to make sure that I am strong enough. This kidney ordeal has been so rough that I look back on my days of chemo with something approaching nostalgia - ask me to reconfirm this in another week...