I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with Brady. A person doesn’t anticipate doctors appointments being dates, but its really, really nice to spend that time together, however it happens.
Brady came and picked me up from home and we drove together to City Hospital for his first outpatient rehab appointment in three-ish years. It was honestly a strange mix of odd and lovely to be back there. Sad and weird to have to go back to the hospital because you lost all mobility and feeling you had left at your level of injury. But quite sweet to see familiar faces in familiar places, and know that these people want to help you, without a doubt.
Bradys PT, Kari, greeted him with a hug, and back we went to go over all the history of the last few years. There was a lot, and it was clear on her face that she really cared about our situation and that she was happy to be connected with Brady again, but also loaded with empathy.
She did some basic tests – ones we’ve done hundreds of times – and confirmed his level of feeling and strength. None, and none. ✅✅ We talked details about what our immediate needs are, and at most angles, we would say “I know this is what you need, but we need an OT to request/apply.” So the goal is to get Brady reconnected with an occupational therapist, as well as home care. With this, we can have our house assessed and possibly apply for some funding to help us change what NEEDS changing. Possible lifts. Possible bathroom renovation. Mattress assessment. Etc etc etc.
We talked armrests for his wheelchair. Possible different backrest. Commode chair. Shower chair. We talked about getting Brady into our van again.
We talked about getting reconnected with the physiatrists on staff. That sounds made up, I know. They’re doctors of physio, basically. If we can get connected there, we can get even more weight behind some applications for funding. Also, Brady can get further information and help surrounding bladder and bowel care, as well as pressure sores, compression items, etc.
Goodness we are living in a WHIRLWIND right now!
After rehab, we picked up coffee and headed over to yet another hospital for radiation. We made it to the cancer centre on time, which happened to be towards the end of their day. It was quiet, yet the staff was so bright and friendly. I have to say. The people who work at the cancer centre in Saskatoon are AMAZING people withe BEAUTIFUL bedside manner. It is hard, because the communication in the entire building is among the worst we’ve ever come across :/ Which makes it really easy to HATE the place. But the people working there are so stinking lovely, it almost feels nice to see them. Even though no one wants to go there absolutely ever.
Anyway. Radiation takes longer now that Brady can’t get onto the treatment bed on his own anymore. Three people work together to get him lifted up and onto the table, and to get him straightened out, legs propped, scary mask on. The RT machine that they usually use for Brady was out of order, so he was in a different pod with a different machine, and a different lift. Instead of the ceiling track lift, they had a crappy little hoyer lift, and it suuuuucked 🤣 But it was funny. Brady swayed back and forth in his swing 🤣 He’s such a big boy!!
I tease, but I’m allowed, I promise. Brady is not mad at me. He’s all sheepish and cute, hey? 😆😍
The treatment itself was quick and easy, and home we went. We came home to most of the kids, and the rest followed very shortly. My mom. My sister. My brother in law. Their kids. The place was bustling and energetic and happy! Supper had also arrived! 🍕 Thank you, Danielle and fam 💜 Delicious!!!!
A worky morning had continued after I joined Brady in the city, and the house is looking so much tidier and more organized. What a gift we were given today. While the nieces played hard with the babies, the rest of us worked, and there is promise of more to be done tomorrow. We are SO grateful for their trip out and all of their warm willing efforts to help us.
Its been a beautiful day. Also a gigantic day. But a very purposeful, fulfilling, productive day. And I am POOPED. Anyone else completely ready to hit the sack??
🙋🏼♀️🥱