THE UPDATE
- Lymphoma/Transplant: recovery is going well, blood counts just slightly below normal range, but at high end of expectations for post-transplant. Did my last intrathecal injection (preventative spinal fluid chemo) today. All that’s left is some radiation treatments for the areas where the tumors were – I’m told that the dose is pretty low and that side effects should be minimal.
- Foot Function: range of motion improves every week…strength building more slowly. Saw neurologist earlier this week and level of recovery certainly surprised him (based on what the foot seemed like just before I started chemo and how lymphoma can affect nerves). His best guess was that I might be able to walk without the brace in 4 months or so. This is all good news, but I have to practice being patient!
- Foot Pain: this is probably the most challenging area…while mornings tend to be good, the pain ramps up each evening. So, for me, the evenings become about taking a pain pill and sitting very still to get the pain to drain away. I still have trouble sitting on (most) chairs for any length of time, as the pressure on the back of my thigh seems to trigger increased pain.
That said, I do usually have 5-7 good hours each day when I can get out and do things (Tesla or Segway) or focus on something work-like. I’ll be ramping up my work schedule accordingly…
(FYI: Yes, I am trying things like acupuncture, hot/cold, custom-concocted ointments and other things people say might work. I’ll also be starting physical therapy to get those muscles back in shape – as you can see below, those Hannel Calves are pretty much gone 😦
THE MUSING: What to do when your world shrinks?
My activities largely consisted of walking, hiking, biking and vacations centered on those (and kayaking and happy hours). For now, those are all pretty much impractical. Maybe I should write a book or something, but I haven’t quite “engaged” with substitute activities to keep me busy with my new constraints. This is not only a problem for me, but I feel like I’m dragging my family into my sedentary evenings as well. Do they go off without me? Do I go out to do the “normal evening things” with them and hold them back while trying to hide/ignore the pain? All-in-all, not a simple problem. I see how the permanently handicapped and those with chronic pain can become isolated…and I think a lot about how to deal with having so many more limitations than the people I hang out with (at least for now). Mostly I guess I keep thinking this is only temporary…
WHATEVER
I’m not the rabid sports fan, but I will be watching the NBA finals!
And Tess graduates in a little over a week! We’ll be heading up to SLO to celebrate. A month ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to go…but here I come!
Cliphoma 
How are things?? Graduation, Fourth of July? Thinking about you and the Hannel Farr family. Barb & Chris
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Hi Clif, Thanks for the update. We are very glad to hear that your are doing so well in your recovery. Thank you for sharing your feelings regarding the challenges that have appeared at this stage. As for writing a book, clearly you have the knack to move us with a style that interestingly includes us on your saga of crises and victories. Love, Bob and Pari
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thanks for the update! Limitations are shocking!! Wait until you turn 75.You handle your condition with so much bravery.
Chris & I are totally expecting you to run a 5K in one year from now! ( we’ll stand at the finish line & cheer).
Congratulations to your entire family on Tess’s graduation and especially to Tess (good genes).
Give a huge shout out from me!
love Nikki.
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Outstanding good news. Mazel Tov on Tess’ graduation to you and the whole family. Love,
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Nothing Better than Great News!!!!
xoxo ~ T & G
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Cliff: I was never a “leg” man but I must admit … 🙂
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You say your calves have diminished, but your spirit and your mind certainly haven’t! You’ll work your way through this period; I have great confidence in you.
Love to you, Tracey, and great kids, Flora
Congratulations on Tess’s graduation!
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life is good for you my friend Cliff – time to celebrate Tess, your health, your family and all who love and support you. This time is simply a chapter in your novel and the best is yet to come!
Xoxox
Mary
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get some marbles, they are fun to play with, great for toe exercises and will make you all laugh hard!
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How exciting to being going to the graduation! How did that happen already? You all must be proud. Patience will be your next challenge. Remember your family is thrilled to have you getting better, so they can take turns being active while one sits with you and plays cards. Love to all of the Farr Hannels! Barb & Chris
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Yay Cliff! Yay Tess! Wishing everyone all good things for summer and beyond.
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Ukulele time!
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