Life Goes On!!

Back in action!

Eric Mason, PT Clinical Director of Premier Physical Therapy in Jacksonville Beach works with Chris on stretching and strengthening the muscles in his legs.

Almost a year after Christopher's diagnosis we finally seem to be getting back to a more "normal" (used lightly) lifestyle. Thank God.

After Christopher's final round of tests on December 15th he didn't waste anytime getting to the prosthetist to pick up his new leg. This was the day before he left for California for his Christmas Vacation. He left bald and on crutches and and returned with a pretty good head of hair and the ability to walk on his own!

He had not yet had PT with the prosthetic so this was something he did on his own while in CA.

Now he goes to PT once a week to fine tune the walk as well as work on balance and strengthening the muscles both on the stump and his supporting leg. He can even get around without the leg or crutches which seemed like an impossibility months ago.

The really good news is after having to repeat an MRI for "suspicious" areas, I finally got a call from Dr. O'Connor, his surgeon at Mayo and she told me though not conclusive, she is confident that there was lack of blood supply to the marrow (in the stump) and that is why areas showed up as compromised. (She called it Bone Infarct) In addition to the initial trauma to his right leg, not to mention subsequent surgeries, his being immobile for so long had severely weakened his bones. She said he will be monitored closely but feels there is a possibility with more movement on that leg the condition may improve. On the next bone scan and MRI in March it will be much more evident as to what exactly is going on. But again, at this point she is not concerned with metastases so I am going with that! Dr. O'Connor also asked if Chris would be willing to do a video and pictures for Mayo so that other parents/children can see that life does go on after an amputation and sometimes given the severity of the disease this is the best option. He will do that next week.

In the meantime she said to let Chris do his thing. And that he is! He is riding his bike to school everyday which he picked up rather quickly. (With the help of a Velcro strap to secure the leg to the pedal!) Given his ability to work those pedals, he figured surely he could fly a plane again...and that he did! All on his own according to the instructor, and has successfully completed another hour toward his Pilot's license.

So he is off and running and looking forward to getting back to doing the things he loves.

Thanks to all of you over the past year (and you know who you are!) for the many ways you have shown such love and support.

Much Peace to you, Patty