Magic Johnston

My first week back to work was a success.  Day 1 we learned a few things I could do to make single alone life better for Graham (have lunch ready and accessible, the remote more accessible, and a few other tasks most  - including myself - take for granted).  Once these were fixed, he became an independent champ!  By the end of the week, he was walking more than 10 steps without gasping for air (on oxygen), walking to and from the mailbox WITHOUT oxygen, walking in the backyard WITHOUT oxygen (now- these did make him gasp, but he lives!), and speaking for about 5 minutes before running out of breath.  Totally not the guy on life support 6 weeks ago.

Graham was feeling so good that he even texted "I'm bored" Friday afternoon.  He hasn't been "bored" in 2 months.  All he's felt is sick and tired.  This was such good news - I didn't even feel sorry for him!  Since he was bored and felt good enough, we went on a family outing today to the movies.  We walked (he rolled) around the mall - he loves to look and shop and not buy.... yep :/  you can take a moment to ponder that.  There are several things that I take the man stance on and he takes the woman stance - shopping is one of them.  Then we saw Hotel Transylvania - highly recommend by the way.  As we were leaving, his O2 ran out, though he was short of breath, he never panicked like before and his O2 sats were still good!  Still immediately began charging his concentrator though as soon as we got to the car.  Why press our luck?

As we left, he said, "You know, I would have NEVER been able to do this 2 weeks ago, not even last week.  I could've gone to the Taylor Swift Concert this week!"  It's crazy and unexpected as to how far he's come.  He's really hoping he can go back to work in a few weeks.  I was speaking to a student and his mom Friday afternoon and he said, "He's like Magic Johnston." Haha, yes he is.


***Disclaimer - though he has walked a few times without oxygen, he still desperately needs it.  All times he is without he is still struggling to breathe.  And it always ends with him gasping and needing a break.