Six weeks post surgery

It has been a busy holiday season with socials and parties in both Corvallis and Portland. I have probably been doing too much. (such as making 80+ blintzes for our wonderful family Hanukkah celebration) As a result, I am tiring quite easily and sleeping a lot. Although the discomfort and pain in the muscles in my back is better, it often flares up if I do too much and I have numbness in my left hand and neuropathy in the fingers.

I saw the neurologist today and he said that given the type of surgery that I underwent, he is very pleased with the progress I am making. He put me back on neurontin for the neuropathy and nerve pain and recommended light massage and soaking in a hot tub. (He says pamper yourself a bit!) He still wants me to limit my activity to walking and only putting and chipping for golf. (Also, very careful interaction with the grandchildren!) It is evident that he expects the recovery to take 3 months or more and that I may always have some residual nerve damage. I will have scans at 3 months and he and the oncologist will reassess whether I will need further treatment or surgery.

Wishing you and your family days filled with good food and fellowship and moments of wonder and reflection.