Progress One Step At A Time

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself”.  – Mark Caine

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I took my first steps in a walker a few weeks ago and yesterday was another milestone.  I made it a full lap around the SCI Fit building (about 40 steps) unassisted.  It is a really weird feeling as I have to concentrate and literally say to myself, “Lift your leg, move it forward, set it down” over and over again.  The other interesting part is that I cannot feel my legs when I do this so I am moving forward but not getting the tactile feedback.  I never thought I would be in a walker before my mom!

As I mentioned in previous emails I am doing a lot of physical therapy and am surprising everyone including myself with my progress.  Another big milestone I achieved recently was being able to sit up un-assisted for 5 seconds.  I did not think this was a big deal however my trainers at SCI Fit said that it was huge as they work with clients that it takes them years to achieve that success.  So I must remind myself that what may not seem like a big deal to me is actually a huge deal.

Some other physical things that have gone on are my collar is officially off for good so as long as I don’t sip-and-puff my way off any more curbs I will never have to have that collar on again.  I also underwent surgery last week to remove the catheter and have it placed directly into by bladder through my stomach.  So, that is a little weird but for my long term health it is great.  Unfortunately I did not receive the penile enlargement that I requested but at this point I can’t use it anyway so maybe that will be a future procedure.

My chest and lung muscles are getting stronger and I can now carry on a conversation that consists of more than a few words before I need to catch my breath.  Most of my muscles are working and firing which is a good thing but at this point I do not have function.  The function hopefully will return over time so I of course will continue to push myself in PT.

I moved out of Josh’s house and have moved into Lindsy’s house.  Thank you to Josh, Joel, Mike, Ken, and Chaz for coming over last weekend and building an access ramp into her house.  A big thank you to Josh and his family for taking me in and getting me settled as I transitioned out of Valley Medical Center.  The nice thing is that Lindsy lives two doors down from Josh so I can still visit.  I also live with my dog Trapper now so we both are excited to be around each other.

I know I talk a lot about my physical improvements so I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge Karen (morning care taker), Lindsy (main caretaker), and Judy (my mom).  Without them all of the appointments, PT sessions, etc. would not be possible.  They do all of the behind the scenes work that allows me to do these things.  Everything from brushing my teeth, bathing, changing my clothes, and feeding me.  It is definitely not glamorous work but it is what allows me to continue to thrive in my recovery, so…… THANK YOU!

If you have not had a chance check out the new and improved Loving Lane website (www.lovinglane.org) There are updates, photos, timelines, stories, upcoming events, and a really need video that my brother put together.  Thank you very much to Ben Koo for putting the site together and maintaining it.

Finally:  There are two upcoming fund raising events.  The first is a wine tasting event at Ridge Vineyards in Cupertino on the July 29th of August, which I will be attending so I can’t wait to see everyone.  Thank you to Dan Cronin for organizing this whole thing.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1593982900828687/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

The second one is a Zumbathon in Sacramento on September 19 at the Capital Athletic Club.  I will also be attending this event and will be dressed in neon and “zumbaing” with the group.  Thank you to Corene Marshalek for organizing this whole thing.  http://tinyurl.com/Zumbathonsac

Thank you to everyone for their love and support,

Lane

Comments

  1. Diane T. says

    Lane! It’s so great to get these updates and I am glad you are progressing so well! It’s also so awesome to see that this has had no effect on your humor. You are crushing it and a total inspiration. Much love and happy thoughts!

  2. Pat and Brenda Cook says

    Lane you are an inspiration to all of us! Love the updates and your drive to succeed in all that you are reaching for in recovery! You’ve got this

  3. Cathy Blair says

    You continue to inspire everyone … so many cares from All The Blairs …
    Your writing skills are incredible too by the way … all of these moments should be in a book that gets published and then a movie with you are star … you just have something so loveable about you Lane …
    We are wishing you a complete recovery … we believe it will be so because of your strength and commitment and the incredible support group that helps to keep you going.

  4. Elaine Sobon-Stenoski says

    Lane,
    I work with your Mom at the winery and she has shared this website with me…she keeps us all updated in your recovery and I have spent many moments in silence praying for you and your family. Your strength and efforts are so inspiring and I love being able to read all about it. In coming days and years I feel you will help and support so many with your strength and story. Be well

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