Sunday, October 23, 2005

Thankful

It's a little late, but there is always time to say thanks, no matter how late it is. I am so thankful for everything in my life, especially for my life itself. Things have changed so significantly for me, it has definitely been a rollercoaster ride, but I think in essence, that is what life is supposed to be and you just have to ride it. Things go up and down and you just have to focus on the upside of things no matter how bad things seem to be.

Things haven't been too bad the past little while, I was slowly coming down off the steroids, unfortunately my skin acted up a bit again so they went up a couple notches again and we'll slow down the decrease. It will be nice once everything stabilizes and I don't have to worry about it anymore and can be off the mouthful of drugs that I am still on. My stomach hasn't been feeling really great when I take my pills, I think it's becoming intolerant or just plain sick of having different chemicals pounded down everyday. I'm a drug addict, though I am not addicted, I am just forced to be. Eventually my body won't have to rely on the pills, and be well on my way to a more healthy outlook.

In fact, I am already turning to a more healthy form. For the past four weeks, I have been working out. I have a bit of a routine going, working my arms pretty good, cause I found that I can no longer do one pushup, which my weight does have some bearing on that. I am about 230lbs right now, which is 15 lbs heavier than what I weighed before becoming sick, and after the ordeal I am heavier, with significant muscle loss and that definitely won't help you do a pushup. So after four weeks of trying to act muscley, I actually see some improvement to my waist size. Hopefully I'll fit my jeans again soon.

School has been good, I have been slowly meeting people, which has made it a little more enjoyable, and the work hasn't been too difficult, but I am only doing two courses, so that could be the explanation. It is kind of nice to have a purpose to get out of bed in the morning, after so long of not really having anything to do. Even though somedays it would be nice to just stay in bed, but I guess that gives the weekends a new meaning for me again.

Thanks for being patient with my slowness to update this. Overall things are looking up and thanks for checking up on me so often.

Justin:)

Sunday, October 02, 2005

A Successful Walk!!!

Why did I walk... To join the hundreds who turned out in support of people like me, people who have had to deal with a disease, Leukemia. It was really great to see so many people out walking, even though it felt like it could snow at any point. Everyone had a balloon, red stood for those who were walking for someone, the supporters, white was for the survivors. Each balloon had a cool little light right inside so we could in fact "light the night". I was able to walk with several of the nurses who looked after me in the hospital. It was nice to see them out there, since I haven't went back to the ward, I was there enough already. It is amazing how much they see though, and how much they do. The nurses really affect the patients as they spend weeks or even months in their care, and I have to say the nurses on 57 are some of the greatest people. I really enjoyed just walking with them, it's a little different than being a patient. I even went out for supper with them. Light the Night went very well! My total for funds up to now is $664, way past my goal of $500, and I am sure there are still donations on the way... So to all of you who showed your support: A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!! I would hug you if I was near.

Justin:)